UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

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United Technologies Corporation

 

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Proxy Statementand
Notice of 20162017 Annual
Meeting of Shareowners

MOVING
  THE WORLD
FORWARDand Proxy Statement

 


 

COMPANY AWARDS IN 2016

 

COMPANY AWARDS IN 2015

#8 Company to “Change the World”
Fortune Magazine
Among Best Places to Work for Latinas
Latina Style Magazine
  
Among World’s Greenest CompaniesNewsweekAmong Best Places to Work for Employment
Disability InclusionDisability Equality Index
 

Among World’s Most Respected CompaniesBarron’s

Among Best Places to Work for LGBT EqualityHuman Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index
Among Most Admired Aerospace &and DefenseCompaniesFortune MagazineRecognized as a “Trendsetter” for Corporate Political Disclosure and Accountability


Center for Political Accountability / Zicklin Index

Among Most RespectedRated A- for Companies Responding toClimate ChangeCarbon Disclosure ProjectPratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared Turbofanengine recognized with honorable mention
Barron’sFast Company 2016 Innovation by Design Awards

Among World’s Greenest CompaniesNewsweek Magazine

Best Investor Relations Company in the Aerospace and Defense Electronics SectorInstitutional Investor Magazine

Top 5% of Companies Responding to

Climate ChangeCarbon Disclosure Project

Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural

Business OpportunitiesDiversityBusiness.com

2015 Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention AwardsThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Outstanding Industry Promotion AwardInternational Science Magazine

All-America Executive Team:

Most Honored Company in the

Aerospace and Defense Electronics Sector
Institutional Investor Magazine

All-America Executive Team: Most Honored


Best Places to Work for LatinasCompany in the Aerospace and Defense

Electronics SectorLatina StyleInstitutional Investor Magazine

 

Pictured:PICTURED:Hudson Yards development project—New York City, US

Cover:Mingyu Financial PlazaLondon’s Twentytwo Bishopsgate will feature state-of-the-art Otis elevators and Yintai Center—Chengdu, Chinaescalators.


 

United Technologies Corporation

10 Farm Springs Road
Farmington, CT 06032

 

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners

 

March 15, 201610, 2017

Meeting Information

 

DATE AND TIME:

April 24, 2017

8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (doors open at 7:30 a.m.)

UTC Aerospace Systems
Four Coliseum Centre
2730 West Tyvola Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28217

Agenda

Meeting Information
DATE AND TIME:
April 25, 2016
8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (doors open at 7:30 a.m.)
LOCATION:
The Vinoy®Renaissance St. Petersburg, Palm Court Ballroom
501 5th Avenue NE
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Agenda
1.Election of the thirteentwelve director nominees listed in the Proxy Statement.
  
2.Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 2016.2017.
  
3.AmendmentAdvisory vote to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting for directors.approve Named Executive Officer compensation.
  
4.An advisoryAdvisory vote to approveon the compensationfrequency of our named executive officers.shareowner votes on Named Executive Officer compensation.
  
5.Other business, if properly raised.


By order of the Board of Directors,

Peter J. Graber-Lipperman

Corporate Vice President, Secretary & Associate General Counsel

 

Who may vote:

 

If you owned shares of UTC Common Stock at the close of business on February 29, 2016,28, 2017, you are entitled to receive this notice of the meeting and to vote at the meeting either in person or by proxy. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.

 

How to attend:

 

Please requesta ticket in advanceby following the instructions on page 76.78. For security reasons,please be prepared to show photo identification when presenting your ticket for admission to the meeting.If you need special assistance because of a disability, please contact our Corporate Secretary’s Office by calling: 860-728-7870,by: calling 860-728-7870; sending an email to:
tocorpsec@corphq.utc.com; or writing to:to UTC Corporate Secretary, UTC, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032.

 

ElectionHow to receive electronic delivery of future annual meeting materials:

 

You can expedite delivery, avoid costly mailings and help conserve natural resources by confirmingletting us know in advance your preference forthat you would prefer electronic delivery. For further information on how to take advantage of this convenient and environmentally friendlyenvironmentally-friendly service, please see page 80.81. You can always receive a printed copy onupon request.

By order of the Board of Directors.

Peter J. Graber-Lipperman

Corporate Vice President, Secretary & Associate General Counsel


 

Review Your Proxy Statementyour proxy statement and Votevote in Oneone of Four Ways:four ways:

 

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Sign, date and return your proxy card or voting instruction form in the enclosed envelope

 

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ScanAttend the QR code included with your proxy card or voting instruction formAnnual Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. See page 78 for instructions on how to attend


 

Please refer to the enclosed proxy materials or the information forwarded by your bank, broker or other holder of record to see which voting methods are available to you.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statementi
 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

Proxy Statement Summary

 

This summary highlights selected information in this Proxy Statement. Please review the entire Proxy Statement and UTC’s 2016 Annual Report for 2015 before voting your shares.

 

Annual Meeting AgendaANNUAL MEETING AGENDA

Proposal 1:Election of Directors

 

ProposalPage NumbersRequired VoteBoard Recommendation
Proposal 1:Election of Directors1–10Votes FOR must exceed 50% of the votes cast with respect to the nomineeFOR each director nominee
Proposal 2:Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 201670–71Approval by a majority of the votes making up the quorumFOR
Proposal 3:Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting for directors72–73Approval by a majority of outstanding sharesFOR
Proposal 4:An advisory, non-binding approval of Named Executive Officer Compensation74–75Votes FOR the proposal must exceed votes AGAINST itFOR

Page Numbers:1-10

Board Recommendation:FOR each director nominee

 

2015Proposal 2:Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 2017

Page Numbers:73-74

Board Recommendation:FOR

Proposal 3:Advisory vote to approve Named Executive Officer compensation

Page Numbers:75-76

Board Recommendation:FOR

Proposal 4:Advisory vote on the frequency of shareowner votes on Named Executive Officer compensation

Page Number:77

Board Recommendation:FOR 1 YEAR

2016 Performance

 

2015 was a year of significant business transformation for UTC.

A sharper focus.The sale ofIn 2016, our Sikorsky Aircraft business for approximately $9 billion allows us to bettersenior leadership team continued its focus on our core aerospacekey priorities — innovation, execution, cost reduction and building systems businessesdisciplined capital allocation. The following 2016 financial, strategic and enables usoperational accomplishments reinforce our commitment to deliver strong future growth.these priorities, which we believe drive long-term, sustainable growth for our shareowners.

 

A simpler structure.Under the leadership of our new President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Mr. Gregory Hayes, UTC has been streamlined into four core business segments. This simpler, flatter organizational structure gives each segment a more direct and transparent relationship to the CEO.

Old StructureNew Structure
   
  

“Our relentless focus on our four key priorities—innovation, execution, cost reduction and disciplined capital allocation—is the reason we are optimistic about our future.”

Greg Hayes, Chairman & CEO

 

FINANCIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS*

In 2016, UTC delivered solid financial performance. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) increased by 35% and adjusted EPS increased by 5%, while net sales from continuing operations, adjusted net sales and organic sales all increased by 2% during 2016.

GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP Financial Measures*

*See Appendix A on pages 87–88 for additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures.


 

ii
 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

A refreshed leadership team.Our revamped senior executive team brings a fresh and reinvigorated operational focus on flawless execution and disciplined capital allocation.

Throughout 2015, UTC has maintained its strategy of long-term, sustainable growth. Some of our strategic and operational accomplishmentsOther significant financial highlights for the year2016 include:

 

Certification by both the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (“EASA”) of Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1000G engine with Geared Turbofan technology (“GTF”), well ahead of competitors. This revolutionary engine decreases fuel burn by 16%, noise by 75% and emissions by 50%. With approximately 7,000 orders to date (including options), the GTF backlog will provide UTC revenue streams for decades.
 
First flight of Boeing’sKC-46A tanker for which UTC Aerospace Systems (“UTAS”) supplies the electric power, air supply, landing and fuel sensing systems, as well as the engine controls, fuel metering unit and other accessories for the tanker’s Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines.
Selection of Otis to provide 133 elevators and escalators to the Chengdu Metro Line, as well as 174 elevators and escalators to a new landmark commercial building in Ningbo, East China.
UTC Climate, Controls & Security’s (“UTC CCS”) largest retrofit contract ever for the CP Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

While our 2015 strategic accomplishments have been impressive and exciting, this past year also presented challenges that adversely affected our financial performance. Among other factors, we continued to make capital investments in support of our long-term goals, including significant investments in the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. We also faced external challenges that included slow growth in many of the markets in which we operate (especially China), pension-related headwinds and adverse foreign currency exchange rates which contributed to the decrease in net sales and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) on an adjusted basis. Nevertheless, and consistent with past practice, UTC increased dividends paid to shareowners by 8.5% which represents the 79thconsecutive year in which UTC has paid dividends. During 2015, UTC also returned $12 billion to shareowners in dividends and share repurchases (including a $6 billion accelerated share buyback program announced in November 2015) and communicated a $1.5 billion long-term structural cost reduction plan—actions intended to respond aggressively to these near-term financial and economic challenges.

Adjusted Net Sales(1)Adjusted Diluted EPS(1)Free Cash Flow(2)Dividends Paid
(in billions)(in billions)
(Per Common Share)
    
80thconsecutive year$4.3 billion2.3% increase17% TSR
we paid dividends to shareownerspaid in 2016 to investors through dividends and share buybacksin dividends per share paid to shareownersoutpaced the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 2016

 

(1)Reflects continuing operations, adjusted to exclude restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for each of the three years shown is set forth in Appendix B on page 86.
(2)Reflects continuing operations.

STRATEGIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During 2016, customer- and company-funded research and development (“R&D”) investments were $3.7 billion, bringing total R&D spending since 2008 to approximately $30 billion. These technology-focused investments drive the ongoing innovation and product differentiation necessary for UTC to fully capitalize on increased global urbanization and commercial air travel.

Our continued commitment to R&D enabled us to introduce multiple new or enhanced products and processes in 2016, including:

The UTC Aerospace Systems’ (“UTAS”) OpsInsight mobile app provides pilots with real-time aircraft data on their mobile devices and is part of a suite of applications that UTAS has developed for its Aircraft Interface Device and Tablet Interface Module.

The UaDAPT process, created through a UTAS and Embraer collaboration, reduces the time required to develop the customized “nerve center” of an aircraft’s power systems by allowing software customization to be completed within a matter of weeks.

UTC Climate, Controls & Security (“UTC CCS”) launched 132 new products during the year, including the latest generation AquaForce chillers and heat pumps. These chillers and pumps use low Global Warming Potential refrigerants that can increase energy efficiency by up to 5% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% compared to conventional chillers and heat pumps, while contributing to green building certification.

R&D investments are also driving UTC’s strategy to harness innovative digital technologies to grow sales and profitability through more efficient and responsive customer service models. At Otis, new digital service technologies, including mobile tools and applications, are helping the approximately 31,000 Otis mechanics around the world to better address customer maintenance needs and service requests.

Research and Development Spending (in billions)


 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statementiii
 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

OPERATIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

UTC’s aerospace businesses achieved a number of critical operational milestones during 2016, including:

The entries into service of the Airbus A320neo and Bombardier C Series aircraft, equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower Geared Turbofan (“GTF”) engines, are particularly noteworthy. The GTF utilizes game-changing technology for which UTC was recognized byFortune Magazine in 2016 as one of the 50 Companies to “Change the World.” With 16% less fuel burn, 75% less noise and 50% lower emissions than conventional engines, each GTF-powered airplane can annually emit up to 3,600 fewer metric tons of carbon dioxide, save approximately $1 million in fuel and impact 500,000 fewer airport neighbors with noise from takeoff and landing. GTF total firm and option orders increased in 2016 to more than 8,000.

In addition to supporting the entries into service of the Airbus A320neo and Bombardier C Series aircraft, UTAS systems and components contributed to the successful first flights of the Embraer E-Jet E2 (nacelles, wheels and carbon brakes, as well as electric, engine control, fire protection, evacuation and air data systems) and Boeing 737 MAX (electric power, cabin pressure control, lighting, fire protection and sensing systems, as well as wheels, brakes, landing gear and evacuation slides).

 

Executive Compensation Overview

 

Principal Elements of Compensation.Our senior executive compensation program has three primaryprincipal components: base salary, annual bonus awards and long-term incentives which are awarded in two forms: performance share units (“PSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”LTI”). Each component serves a specific purpose in our compensation strategy. Basedifferent purpose. Market-competitive base salary is an essential part of any market-competitive compensation program.program and is necessary to attract and retain strong leadership talent. Annual bonus awards are intended to motivate the achievement of near-term company and business unit performance goals. Long-term compensation is the foundation of our program and therefore makesincentives, which make up the greatest portion of our senior management’s compensation. Long-term compensation, opportunities drive our executives to focus on strategies that promote sustainable, growth.long-term growth for our shareowners.

 

20152016 Compensation Decisions.2015Total direct compensation (defined in detail on page 50) reflects the compensation decisions made by the Committee on Compensation and Executive Development (the “Committee”) recognized bothfor each of the short-termprincipal elements of compensation. The Committee based these decisions on its assessment of 2016 financial, results ofstrategic and operational accomplishments for the Company and each business unit, as well as the strategic accomplishments achieved duringindividual performance of the year, as discussed on page iii.

The following chart showsChairman & CEO (“CEO”) and the decisions made with respect to the three principal elements of compensation for the three 2015other Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) who continue.

Total direct compensation for the five NEOs appears in the chart on the following page and includes base salary (reflecting any adjustments made in 2016), annual bonus for 2016 performance and the long-term incentive grant made in January 2017. As explained in detail on page 50, total direct compensation includes the Committee’s pay decisions related to serve as executive officersits 2016 performance evaluations. It differs from the compensation shown in the Summary Compensation Table which includes long-term incentive grants made in January 2016 reflective of the Company asCommittee’s assessment of the date of this Proxy Statement. The other 2015 NEOs (Messrs. Bellemare, Darnis and Adams) retired from UTC effective January 31, 2015, January 31, 2016 and February 29, 2016, respectively.

2015 TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION(1)

performance.

 

(1)ivTotal direct compensation, as discussed in detail on page 47, reflects compensation decisions made by

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

2016 TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION (in thousands)

  BASE
SALARY
 ANNUAL
BONUS
 LONG-TERM INCENTIVES* TOTAL 
 $1,500 $3,000 $10,467 $14,967 
 $825 $1,100 $3,557 $5,482 
 $825 $1,100 $3,795 $5,720 
 $800 $850 $3,795 $5,445 
 $750 $600 $3,795 $5,145 
         

*Reflects the Committee based on its evaluationgrant date fair values of each NEO’s performance during 2015. It includes base salary (including any 2015 changes), annual bonus for 2015 performance and the long-term incentive grant madeequity awards granted on January 4, 2016. It is different from compensation shown3, 2017, calculated in accordance with the Compensation—Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”), but excluding the effects of estimated forfeitures. Grants consist of performance share units (“PSUs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), except in the Summary Compensation Table, which includes the long-term incentive grant made on January 2, 2015 and reflects the Committee’s assessmentcase of 2014 performance.
(2)Excludes amounts paid to Mr. Johri to offset compensation forfeited upon leaving his former employer.Delpech, who received stock options in lieu of SARs.

 

RECENT PROGRAM CHANGES

 

The Committee made the followingMaterial changes to UTC’s executive compensation program during or applicable for 2015:include:

 

What we changedReturnWhy we changed it

Added return on Invested Capitalinvested capital (“ROIC”) has been added as a performance metric to our PSU awardsawards.

Beginning with the PSUs granted in January 2016, and beyond. ROIC makes up 35% of the total award payout opportunity, with the existing EPSearnings per share (“EPS”) growth and relative total shareowner return (“TSR”) metrics now weighted at 35% and 30%, respectively.

The Committee believes the inclusion of ROIC as an additional metric better aligns our long-term incentive program with our senior leadership team’s key priorities of innovation, execution, cost reduction and disciplined capital allocation.

Through our shareowner outreach efforts, investors expressed the view that strong ROIC is a sign of an efficient and well-managed company, and supported the inclusion of this metric in our LTI program.

  
For the portion of the PSUs that vest contingent upon UTC’s TSR relative to the S&P 500, in the event of a negative TSR, the payout will be capped at 100% of target, even if UTC outperforms the S&P 500.
 
Effective

Added RSUs to our long-term incentive mix.

Beginning with the LTI grant made on January 1, 2016,3, 2017, RSUs make up 20%, SARs make up 30% and PSUs remain at 50% of the total value of each LTI grant for members of theour Executive Leadership Group (“ELG”) are eligible for a financial planning benefit valued at up to $16,000 per year..

 

The ELG life insurance benefit was eliminated for ELG members appointed on or after January 31, 2015.

The threshold payout levelCommittee believes in a market-competitive and balanced approach to long-term incentive program design. Each of the EPS portionthree components of PSU awards has been increasedour LTI program is intended to 50%.
encourage specific business objectives. PSUs drive the achievement of specific financial goals. SARs motivate decision-making that will increase share price. The Presidentintroduction of RSUs to the LTI mix will better align UTC with its peers and CEO’s personal use offurther balance our program by adding a time-based vesting vehicle to enhance the Corporate aircraft is now limited to 50 hours annually.program’s retentive value.

 

ivNotice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statementv
 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

Board HighlightsDirector Engagement and Independence

 

The Board of Directors and its Committee on Nominations and Governance believe that diversity in experience and perspective are of the utmost importance for achieving sound decisions that drive shareowner value. The Board also believes that the varying tenures of our directors provide a constructive blend of institutional knowledge with a fresh external viewpoint. Through their attendance at Board and Committeecommittee meetings, UTC’s directors have demonstrated their active engagement and continuing commitment to providing oversight and sound corporate governance. The following charts below reflect the broad experience, tenure and active engagement of the membersand independence of our current Board of Directors:

 

Total Board Members: 13Current Directors: 15

 

Director TenureEngagement Director EngagementIndependence
   
   

Aggregate Percent of Meetings Attended by Directors in 2015

Director Experience

 

Board = full Board meeting*Finance = Finance Committee
Audit = Audit CommitteeN&G =The Committee on Nominations and Governance
C&ED = Committee on Compensation and Executive DevelopmentPIR =the Public Issues Review Committee were merged in April 2016, forming the Committee on Governance and Public Policy. This column includes the UTC directors’ attendance at two meetings of the Committee on Nominations and Governance; one meeting of the Public Issues Review Committee; and two meetings of the Committee on Governance and Public Policy.

 

Committee Independence

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareownersviv
 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

Board Nominees

 

You are being asked to cast votes for thirteen12 directors. Directors are elected annually by majority voting.

 

All nominees meet the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) governance standards for director independence, except for Mr. Hayes, who is not independent due to his position as a UTC executive officer.

Nominee Age Director
Since
 Committee
Membership
 Other Public
Company Boards
JOHN V. FARACI
Retired Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, International Paper
 66 2005 C&ED – Member
F – Chair
N&G – Member
 2
JEAN-PIERRE GARNIER
Chairman, Actelion Ltd.
 68 1997 C&ED – Chair
N&G – Member
PIR – Member
 3
GREGORY J. HAYES
United Technologies Corp., President and Chief Executive Officer
 55 2014 F – Member 1
EDWARD A. KANGAS
Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte, Touche, Tohmatsu
 71 2008 A – Chair
C&ED – Member
N&G – Member
 3
ELLEN J. KULLMAN
Retired Chair & Chief Executive Officer, DuPont
 60 2011 A – Member
F – Member
PIR – Member
 0
MARSHALL O. LARSEN
Former Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Goodrich Corp.
 67 2012 F – Member
PIR – Member
 3
HAROLD MCGRAW III
Chairman Emeritus, McGraw Hill Financial, Inc.
 67 2003 C&ED – Member
F – Member
N&G – Member
 1
RICHARD B. MYERS
Ret. General, U.S. Air Force, Former Chairman, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
 74 2006 A – Member
C&ED – Member
N&G – Member
 2
FREDRIC G. REYNOLDS
Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, CBS Corporation
 65 2016 A – Member
N&G – Member
 2
BRIAN C. ROGERS
Chairman, T. Rowe Price Group
 60 2016 C&ED – Member
F – Member
 1
H. PATRICK SWYGERT
President Emeritus, Howard University
 72 2001 A – Member
C&ED – Member
N&G – Chair
 1
ANDRÉ VILLENEUVE
Chairman, ICE Benchmark Administration Ltd.
 71 1997 A – Member
F – Member
PIR – Member
 0
CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN
President, Whitman Strategy Group
 69 2003 F – Member
N&G – Member
PIR – Chair
 1

AAudit       N&GNominations & Governance       C&EDCompensation & Executive Development       FFinance       PIRPublic Issues Review

 

vi

LLOYD J. AUSTIN III

General, U.S. Army (Retired)
and Former Commander of
U.S. Central Command

Age:63    Director Since:2016

Committees:F, G

Other Public Boards:0

DIANE M. BRYANT

Executive Vice President and
General Manager, Data Center
Group, Intel Corporation

Age:55    Director Since:2017

Committees:A, F

Other Public Boards:0

JOHN V. FARACI

Retired Chairman & Chief Executive
Officer, International Paper

Age:67  �� Director Since:2005

Committees:C, E,F

Other Public Boards:2

JEAN-PIERRE GARNIER

Chairman, Actelion Ltd.

Age:69    Director Since:1997

Committees:C,E,G

Other Public Boards:2

GREGORY J. HAYES

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer,
United Technologies Corporation

Age:56    Director Since:2014

Committees:E, F

Other Public Boards:1

EDWARD A. KANGAS

Former Chairman & Chief Executive
Officer, Deloitte, Touche, Tohmatsu

Age:72    Director Since:2008

Committees:A,C,E

Other Public Boards:3

ELLEN J. KULLMAN

Retired Chair & Chief Executive
Officer, E.I. du Pont de Nemours
and Company

Age:61    Director Since:2011

Committees:C,G

Other Public Boards:2

MARSHALL O. LARSEN

Retired Chairman, President &
Chief Executive Officer, Goodrich
Corporation

Age:68    Director Since:2012

Committees:F, G

Other Public Boards:3

HAROLD MCGRAW III

Chairman Emeritus, S&P Global, Inc.
(formerly McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc.)

Age:68    Director Since:2003

Committees:C, F

Other Public Boards:1

FREDRIC G. REYNOLDS

Retired Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, CBS
Corporation

Age:66    Director Since:2016

Committees:A, G

Other Public Boards:2

BRIAN C. ROGERS

Chairman and Chief Investment
Officer, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

Age:61    Director Since:2016

Committees:C, F

Other Public Boards:1

CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN

President, The Whitman Strategy
Group

Age:70    Director Since:2003

Committees:F, G

Other Public Boards:1

AAuditCCompensation & Executive DevelopmentEExecutive*FFinanceGGovernance & Public PolicyChair

*See UTC’s Bylaws at Sections 3.1 and 3.3 regarding the Executive Committee’s authority athttp://www.utc.com/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/default.aspx.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statementvii
 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

Composition of Board Nominees

The Board of Directors and its Committee on Governance and Public Policy believe that diversity in experience and perspective are of the utmost importance for reaching sound decisions that drive shareowner value. The Board also believes that the varying tenures of our directors provide a constructive blend of institutional knowledge and a fresh external viewpoint. The following charts reflect the tenure, diversity and broad experience of the nominees for our Board of Directors:

Total Board Nominees: 12

Director Tenure

Board Diversity

Director Experience

viii

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

Governance Highlights

 

PRIMARY RISK OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITY

Full Board

Risk management process and structure; strategic risks associated with UTC’s business plan; and other significant risks, including major litigation, business development risks and succession planning.

Audit

Major financial risk exposures, including significant operational, compliance, reputational, strategic and cybersecurity risks; and UTC’s overall policies and practices for enterprise risk management.

Governance and Public Policy

Corporate governance, leadership structure, effectiveness of Board and committee oversight; director candidate review; conflicts of interest; director independence; environment; workplace safety; equal employment opportunity; important public policy issues; government relations and other matters involving reputational risks.

Compensation and Executive Development

Executive recruitment, assessment, development and retention; and risks associated with compensation and benefits policies and practices, including incentive compensation programs.

Finance

Capital structure, liquidity, financing, pension funding and investment performance; and significant capital transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures.

As part of UTC’s commitment to the highest ethical standards, the members of our Board are committed to sound governance practices.UTC’s governance practices are described in more detail in our Corporate Governance Guidelines, which can be found in the Corporate Governance section of our website.BOARD PRACTICES AND ACCOUNTABILITY

 

Independence12 outAnnual self-evaluation of our 13 nominees are independent.Board and committee performance
 
Our CEO is the only management director.Comprehensive evaluation of Board’s composition, experience and skills
 All of the Board Committees that meet regularly, other than the Finance Committee, are composed exclusively of independent directors.
Independent Chairman of the BoardOur non-executive ChairmanMandatory retirement age of the Board, Edward A. Kangas, is independent under NYSE standards.
The non-executive Chairman serves as liaison between management and the other non-management directors, presides at all Board meetings and can call special Board meetings.
Independent Director MeetingsThe independent directors regularly meet in private without management.
The non-executive Chairman presides at these executive sessions.
Board Oversight of Risk ManagementThe Board monitors UTC’s systematic approach to identifying and assessing risks to the Company and our business units.
The Audit Committee reviews our overall enterprise risk management policies and practices, financial risk exposures and the delegation of risk oversight responsibilities to other Board Committees.
Stock Ownership RequirementsNon-management directors must hold at least $560,000 of Common Stock (or Common Stock equivalents) within five years of joining the Board.
Our CEO must, within five years of attaining that position, hold Common Stock (or Common Stock equivalents) valued at six times base salary.
Members of our Executive Leadership Group must, within five years of appointment to the group, hold Common Stock (or Common Stock equivalents) valued at three times base salary.
Incentive PlansThe Board’s Committee on Compensation & Executive Development annually reviews the goal-setting processes for our incentive plans to ensure that the plans use goals that are rigorous, yet attainable.
We strictly forbid repricing or cash buyouts of underwater stock options.
We do not allow pledging or hedging of UTC shares by our executives or our non-employee directors for any reason.
We have a robust clawback policy, which allows us to recoup compensation in the case of misconduct or negligence causing significant harm to the Corporation. We have strengthened this policy multiple times over the years.
Board PracticesThe Board and each of its committees conduct self-evaluations each year, in which they examine and discuss whether they are functioning effectively, receive input on their performance from every member, and identify any areas in which directors believe performance could improve.
The director candidate criteria are adjusted as needed to ensure that our Board as a whole continues to reflect the appropriate mix of skills and experience.
Directors may not stand for election after age 72, absent special circumstances approved by the Board.
Board AccountabilityAll directors stand for election annually.
 
InAnnual election of directors with majority vote standard in uncontested elections directors must be elected by a majority of votes cast.
 
In contested elections,Proactive adoption in 2015 of balanced proxy access right

KEY INDEPENDENT LEAD DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

In September 2016, the Board elected Gregory Hayes as Chairman and designated Edward Kangas, the former non-executive Chairman, as Lead Director. At that time, the Board amended UTC’s Corporate Governance Guidelines to expand the Lead Director’s role to be consistent with the Board’s view of current governance best practices. The Lead Director’s responsibilities include the following:

Calls and presides over executive sessions of the independent directors are elected by a plurality vote.
 
In September 2015,Serves as a liaison between independent directors and Chairman & CEO
Engages with significant constituencies, as requested
Plans and sets agenda for Board meetings with the Chairman & CEO
Oversees the Board’s evaluation and compensation of the Chairman & CEO
Facilitates succession planning and management development
Facilitates the Board’s annual self-evaluation
Authorizes retention of outside advisors and consultants who report to the Board proactively amended UTC’s Bylaws to adopt “proxy access,” affording shareowners a greater role in the director nomination process. In particular, UTC adopted Bylaw provisions that permit a shareowner, or a group of up to 20 shareowners, owning at least three percent of UTC’s outstanding shares of Common Stock continuously for at least three years, to nominate and include in UTC’s annual meeting proxy materials director nominees who, if elected, would constitute up to twenty percent of the Board, provided that the shareowner(s) and nominee(s) satisfy the requirements specified in UTC’s Bylaws, which are available at:http://www.utc.com/Our- Company/Corporate-Governance/Documents/Bylaws.pdf.on Board-wide issues

 

STOCK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Our robust stock ownership requirements promote and strengthen the alignment of interests between our non-executive directors, management and shareowners. Requirements include:

Proxy Statement and 5x6x3x
annual basebase salarybase salary
cash retainerfor Chairman & CEOfor Executive
for independentLeadership Group
directors(“ELG”) members


Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statementviiix
 

 

Table of Contents

 


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareowner Meeting to be held onApril 25, 2016.24, 2017.UTC’sThis Notice of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement for theand UTC’s 2016 Annual Meeting and our Annual Report to Shareowners for 2015 are both available free of charge at:atwww.proxyvote.com. References in this Proxy Statement and accompanying materials to Internet websites are for the convenience of readers. Information available at or through these websites is not a part of nor is it incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.

 

viiix
 

 

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

Proxy Statement.The Board of Directors of United Technologies Corporation (“UTC”, the “Company” or the “Corporation”) is soliciting proxies to be voted at our 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners on April 25, 201624, 2017 and at any postponed or reconvened meeting. We expect that this Proxy Statement will be mailed and made available to shareowners beginning on or about March 15, 2016.10, 2017. At the meeting, votes will be taken on four matters listed in the Notice of Meeting, the firstMeeting.

Proposal 1: Election of which is the election of directors.Directors

 

We are seeking your support for the election of the thirteentwelve candidates that the Board has nominated to serve on the Board of Directors.Directors for a one-year term beginning on the date of the Annual Meeting. We believe these nominees have the qualifications consistent with our position asto oversee a large, diversified industrial corporation with operations throughout the world. We also believe these nominees have the experience and perspective to guide the Company as we innovate and develop new products, compete in a broad range of markets around the world and adjust to rapidly changing technologies, business cycles and competition.

 

Board Membership Criteria and Nomination Process

 

The Board and its Committee on NominationsGovernance and GovernancePublic Policy Committee believe that it is important that our directors, as a group, have the following attributes:

 

EXPERIENCEExperienceSenior business or government leadership experience
Public company board experience
International business or government experience
 
THOUGHT LEADERSHIPThought LeadershipAn objective, independent and informed approach to complex and sensitive business decisions
Extensive knowledge, experience, and superior judgment
An appreciation of the role of the corporation in society
Diversity of perspectives and appreciation for multiplediverse cultures
Loyalty to the interests of UTC and its shareowners
The highest integrity and ethical standards
 
SUBJECT MATTERSubject Matter ExpertiseGlobal / international expertiseInternational
EXPERTISEIndustry / technical expertise
Financial and accounting expertise
Government or public policy expertise
Regulatory compliance expertise
Risk management expertise

 

Individuals on our Board also possess other particular skills and qualifications. These include experience in the financial services industry, the military, government and academia; expertise in sustainability and environmental issues; and knowledge of systems and technology.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement1
 

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

Members of our Board possess additional important skills and qualifications. These include experience in the financial services industry, the military, the digital economy, sustainability and environmental issues, and systems and technology.

Nominating Process

 

Our Board believes it is critical to our success to havethat having directors who represent the interests of shareowners by bringing a diversity of perspectives to Board deliberations and Company oversight.oversight is central to our success. The Committee on NominationsGovernance and GovernancePublic Policy regularly reviews with the Board the qualifications that are most important in selecting candidates to serve as directors, taking into account UTC’s diverse operations and the mix of capabilities and experience represented on the Board. As part of its annual evaluation of its effectiveness as a group, the Board considers whether its composition as a whole reflects a mix of skills and perspectives that is appropriate to meet the Company’s needs. Based on these considerations, the Board makes adjustments inadjusts the priorities givenpriority it gives to the various director qualifications when identifying candidates.

 

Diversity

Diversity

While we do not have a specific policy on diversity of the Board, our Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Governance Guidelines”) provide that candidates for the Board should have the ability to contribute to maintaining a diversity of perspectives in Board deliberations, in addition to being objective, independent and informed. The Board believes this diversity is critical to our success. The Committee on Governance and Public Policy seeks accomplished and highly qualified candidates who have the broad experience and perspective needed to oversee the global operations of a large and diversified industrial public company. We believe our Board reflects a broad diversity of professional backgrounds, skills and experiences.

 

While we do not have a specific policy on diversity of the Board, our Corporate Governance Guidelines (“Governance Guidelines”) provide that candidates for the Board should have the ability to contribute to maintaining a diversity of perspectives in Board deliberations, in addition to being objective, independent and informed. The Board believes this diversity is critical to our success. The Committee on Nominations and Governance seeks accomplished and highly qualified candidates who have broad experience and perspective to oversee the global operations of a large and diversified industrial public company. We believe our Board reflects a broad diversity of professional backgrounds, skills and experiences.

Three director nominees have lived and worked outside the United States for substantialsignificant periods.
  
Two director nominees serve or have served on the boardsboard of a non-U.S. public companies.company.
  
TwoThree director nominees are women.
  
One director nominee is African-American.
UTC’s Governance Guidelines are available at:http://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspx.African American.

UTC’s Governance Guidelines are available at:http://www.utc.com/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/default.aspx.

 

The Committee on NominationsGovernance and GovernancePublic Policy considers candidates who are suggested by directors, management and shareowners and who meet the qualifications UTC seeks in its directors. A shareowner may recommend a director candidate by submitting a letter addressed to the UTC Corporate Secretary, at UTC, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032. The Company may also engage search firms from time to time to assist in identifying and evaluating qualified candidates.

 

Nominees

 

Our entire Board is elected annually by our shareowners. The Board, upon the recommendation of the Committee on NominationsGovernance and Governance,Public Policy, has nominated the thirteentwelve individuals listed in this Proxy Statement, each of whom is a current director. The Board believes that each nominee brings to the Board a range of strong skills and extensive experience, as highlighted in each nominee’s biographical information on pages 3 to 10. The Board believes that the nominees, as a group, possess the appropriate skills to exercise the Board’s oversight responsibilities.

 

Under the Board’s current policy,Current directors Richard B. Myers, H. Patrick Swygert and André Villeneuve are required tonot standing for re-election and will retire from the Board at the annual meeting after they reach age 72. However, the Board can make an exceptionon April 24, 2017 in accordance with UTC’s Governance Guidelines, which require directors to this policy in special circumstances. Citing such circumstances, the Board has nominated both General Richard B. Myers and H. Patrick Swygert to stand for election at the 2016 Annual Meeting. The Board wishes to retain General Myers’ extensive senior leadership experience involving military, global security and geopolitical issues that are highly relevant to UTC’s global businesses at this time. The Board also wishes to retain Mr. Swygert in view of his role and contributions as a member of the Committee on Nominations and Governance, as well as two other key Board committees.retire from

 

2
 

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

the Board at the annual meeting after they reach age 72. The Company and the directors extend their sincere appreciation to these individuals for their dedicated service as members of UTC’s Board of Directors.

The Board may make an exception to the retirement policy in special circumstances. Citing such circumstances, the Board nominated Edward A. Kangas to stand for re-election at the 2017 Annual Meeting. The Board elected to make such an exception for Mr. Kangas, who was designated Lead Director in September 2016, to take advantage of his extensive financial and accounting expertise that is beneficial to UTC.

 

If, prior to the Annual Meeting, any of the Board’s nominees become unavailable to serve, the Board may select a replacement nominee or reduce the number of directors to be elected. The proxy holders will vote the shares for which they serve as proxy for any replacement candidate nominated by the Board.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREOWNERSVOTE FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES:

LLOYD J. AUSTIN III

General, U.S. Army (Ret.)
and Former Commander of
U.S. Central Command

Age:63
Director since:2016

Committees:

Governance and Public Policy
Finance

GENERAL AUSTIN is a retired U.S. Army General with nearly 41 years of military service. As the Commander of U.S. Central Command from March 2013 through March 2016, he was responsible for the 20-country Central Region that includes Iraq, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He was also the Combined Forces Commander in Iraq and Syria. General Austin has extensive operational experience, having commanded troops in combat at the 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-star levels. During his last deployment, General Austin served as a 4-star general and commander of United States Forces-Iraq from September 2010 through December 2011. He later served as the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army.

General Austin is the Class of 1951 Leadership Chair for the Study of Leadership in the Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, for the academic years 2016-17 and 2017-18. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of Guest Services, Inc. (non-public). General Austin is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and holds master’s degrees from Auburn University (Education) and Webster University (Business Management). General Austin’s many awards and decorations include five Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit.
 Key Skills and Expertise
GOVERNMENT AND GEOPOLITICAL
Obtained unique perspective on the complexities of the U.S. military, the defense industry and defense procurement through senior leadership positions in the U.S. Department of Defense.
BROAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Acquired extensive understanding of international affairs and global security through senior leadership positions, including overseas deployments and global oversight responsibilities.
RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
Managed significant operating budgets and large organizations, and addressed complex operational and strategic issues.








Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement3

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

DIANE M. BRYANT

Executive Vice President
and General Manager,
Data Center Group,
Intel Corporation

Age:55
Director since:2017

Committees:

Audit
Finance

MS. BRYANT is Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Data Center Group for Intel Corporation (high technology products and services). Ms. Bryant leads the worldwide organization that develops the data center platforms for the digital services economy. In her current role, she manages the data center P&L, strategy and product development for cloud service and communications service providers, enterprise and government infrastructure, spanning server, storage and network solutions. Previously, Ms. Bryant was Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Intel, where she was responsible for corporate-wide information technology solutions and services.

A tireless advocate for women and underrepresented minorities, Ms. Bryant has served as the executive sponsor of the Network of Intel African American Employees and on the technical board of the Anita Borg Institute. She was named among Fortune’s 50 Most Powerful Women in Business in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, World Affairs and its Global Philanthropy Forum honored Ms. Bryant with its Global Citizen Award. Business Insider ranked Bryant #32 in the list of “Silicon Valley 100” of 2016. She is an Intel spokesperson for STEM education and established the Diane Bryant Endowed Scholarship Fund for Diversity in Engineering at the University of California, Davis.
Key Skills and Expertise
TECHNOLOGY-RELATED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/MARKETING
Acquired extensive experience in technology and the digital economy through a career at Intel Corporation and training as an engineer.
FINANCIAL EXPERTISE/LITERACY
Obtained broad understanding of financial matters obtained through extensive senior management experience, including responsibility for significant P&L.
RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
Obtained extensive experience through managing large organizations within a public company.








4

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
JOHN V. FARACI

 

Retired Chairman &
Chief
Executive Officer,
International Paper

 

Age:6667
Director Sincesince: 2005

 

Committees:

 

Compensation and
Executive Development
Executive
Finance
Nominations and GovernanceExecutive

 

MR. FARACIserved as Chairman & CEO of International Paper (paper, packaging and distribution) from 2003 to 2014. Earlier in 2003, he was elected as President and as a director of that company, havingand served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2000 to 2003. From 1995 to 1999, heMr. Faraci was CEO and managing director of Carter Holt Harvey Ltd., a former New Zealand subsidiary of International Paper. He first joined International Paper in 1974.



Mr. Faraci is a director of PPG Industries, Inc. and ConocoPhillips.ConocoPhillips and an Operating Partner at Advent International (global private equity). He also serves on the boards of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and of Denison University, and he is a trustee of the American Enterprise Institute and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
Served as International Paper’s Chairman & CEO from 2003 through 2014. Oversaw2014, overseeing strategic changes in that company’s business portfolio and enhancedenhancing its commitment to the stewardship inof natural resources and sustainability reporting.
 BROAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Led large corporation with worldwide operations.
 HIGH LEVELEXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISECOMPANY’S BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY
QualifiesAcquired comprehensive understanding of UTC’s businesses and competitive landscape through his service on the UTC Board, including his role as an audit committee financial expert, based on oversight of CFO and experience as CFO at International Paper.Finance Committee Chair since 2012.











Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners3

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
JEAN-PIERRE GARNIER

 

Chairman, Actelion Ltd.

 

Age:6869
Director Sincesince: 1997

 

Committees:

 

Compensation and Executive Development
NominationsGovernance and Governance Public Issues ReviewPolicy
Executive

 

 

DR. GARNIERis Chairman of Actelion Ltd. (biopharmaceuticals) and an Operating Partner at Advent International (global private equity). He served as CEO of Pierre Fabre SA from 2008 to 2010, and as CEO and Executive Member of the Board of Directors of GlaxoSmithKline plc from 2000 to 2008. In 2000 heHe served as CEO of SmithKline Beecham plc where he had beenin 2000 and as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Member of the Board of Directors from 1996 to 2000.

Dr. Garnier is a director of Renault S.A. and Radius Health, Inc. and Chairman of the Board Chair of Alzheon, Inc. (non-public).

Dr. Garnier He served as Chairman of NormOxys, Inc. (biopharmaceuticals) from 2010 to 2011.and as a director of Renault S.A. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Newman’s Own Foundation and is a former board member of the Stanford Advisory Council on Interdisciplinary Biosciences, the Board of Overseers of Weill Cornell Medical College and the Dubai International Capital Advisory Board. In 2009, he was made a Knight Commander of the British Empire and in 2007 was named Officier de la Légion d’Honneur of France.

 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
Served as CEO for two large public companies. Oversaw post-merger integration of large public companies. Namedcompanies and was named to the global list of top 20 CEOs by the Best Practice Institute in 2006.
 BROAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Acquired extensive knowledge of international markets and operations as a CEO and director of large public companies and as chairman of developing companies in Europe and the U.S.
 HIGH LEVELEXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF FINANCIAL LITERACYCOMPANY’S BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY
Extensive expertise in executive compensation practices in U.S.Acquired comprehensive understanding of UTC’s businesses and Europe. Qualifiescompetitive landscape through his service on the UTC Board, including his role as an audit committee financial expert, basedthe Committee on oversight of CFO.Compensation and Executive Development Chair since 2008.








Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement5

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
GREGORY J. HAYES

 

President andChairman & Chief
Executive Officer,
United Technologies
Technologies Corporation

 

Age:5556
Director Sincesince:2014

 

Committees:

 

Finance
Executive Finance

 

MR. HAYESwas elected President and CEOChairman of UTC in September 2016. He has served as President and Chief Executive Officer and director since November 2014. Before becoming our CEO, he hadMr. Hayes previously served for more than six years as UTC’s Senior Vice President &and Chief Financial Officer, since 2008. He previously served as Vice President, Accountingwhich included responsibility for UTC’s Corporate Strategy Group. In that position, he played a critical strategic and Finance from 2006operational role in reshaping the Company’s portfolio to 2008; as Vice President, Accountingfocus on its core aerospace and Controls from 2004 to 2006; as Vice Presidentbuilding systems businesses. During this time, UTC successfully acquired and Controller from 2003 to 2004;integrated Goodrich Corporation and as Vice President, Financial Planning & Analysis for the Hamilton Sundstrand segmenta majority interest in International Aero Engines (IAE), streamlined its Carrier and fire and security businesses, and divested more than $8 billion of UTC from 1999 to 2003.

non-core businesses. Mr. Hayes came to UTC through the 1999 merger with Sundstrand Corporation. Corporation, where he served in a number of leadership positions.

Mr. Hayes has been a director of Nucor Corporation since 2014, where he is Audit Committee Chair, and serves on the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Executive Development Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee. He is a board member of the New England Air Museum.

 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
Served as President and CEO of UTC since November 2014.2014 and elected Chairman in 2016.
 HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISEEXPERTISE/LITERACY
SubstantialGained substantial financial and accounting oversight experience gained as CFO and in other senior financial positions with UTC and through service on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Nucor Corporation. AlsoMr. Hayes is also a Certified Public Accountant.
 EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY’SBUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY AND OPERATIONS
Through six years as our CFO, and his previous senior financial leadership positions, gainedObtained deep understanding of UTC’s operations, complex financial transactions, and the operational and financial impact of numerous acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring actions and integrations through more than six years experience as well as the integration of major operations.UTC’s CFO and through other senior financial leadership positions.








 

46
 

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
EDWARD A. KANGAS

 

Former Chairman &
Chief
Executive Officer,
Deloitte,
Touche, Tohmatsu

 

Age:7172
Director Sincesince: 2008

 

Committees:

 

Audit
Compensation and
Executive Development
Executive
Nominations and Governance

 MR. KANGASwas elected is Lead Director of UTC’s Board of Directors, having served as its non-executive Chairman of UTC infrom November 2014.2014 to September 2016. He is the former Chairman and& CEO of Deloitte, Touche, Tohmatsu (audit tax and consultingtax services), a position he held from 1989 to 2000.

Mr. Kangas is alsocurrently a Board memberdirector of Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., Intelsat S.A. and, Tenet Healthcare Corporation (he was also non-executive Chairman of Tenet from 2003 to 2015), and Deutsche Bank USA Corp. (non-public, Chairman). He is a former director of Intuit Inc. (2007 to 2016), Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (2010 to 2012), and Eclipsys Corporation (2004 to 2010). HeMr. Kangas is a trustee of the Committee of Economic Development and the pastformer Chairman of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
ExperienceServed as CEO of a major public accounting firm and as chair of two other public companies.firm.
 HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISEEXPERTISE/LITERACY
Qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. ExtensiveAcquired extensive financial and accounting expertise acquired through oversight of audits of public companies in diverse industries. Qualified as an audit committee financial expert.
 RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
ExtensiveObtained extensive experience in risk management and oversight as Chairman & CEO of a major global accounting firm.












 

      
ELLEN J. KULLMAN

 

Retired Chair of the Board
& Chief
Executive Officer,
E.I. du Pont de Nemours
and Company

 

Age:6061
Director Sincesince:2011

 

Committees:

 

Audit
Finance
Governance and Public Issues ReviewPolicy
Compensation and Executive
Development

 

MRS. KULLMANserved as Chair and& CEO of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (basic materials and innovative products and services for diverse industries) from 2009 to 2015. She was first elected to the Board of DuPont in 2008. Mrs. Kullman served as President of that companyDuPont from October 2008 to December 2008 and as Executive Vice President from 2006 to 2008. Prior to that, she was Group Vice President-DuPont Safety & Protection.



Mrs. Kullman is a past chair of the U.S.-China Business Council, and a member of the Business Council and the National Academy of Engineering, where she co-chaired the Committee on Changing the Conversation: From Research to Action. She also serves on the Board of TrusteesDirectors of Tufts UniversityAmgen Inc., Goldman Sachs, Dell Technologies (non-public), Carbon3D, Inc. (non-public) and the North American advisory council of Temasek Holdings (non-public). Mrs. Kullman is also a member of the Board of Overseers of Tufts University School of Engineering.

Engineering and a Trustee of Northwestern University.
 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
RetiredServed as CEO of an innovative S&P 100 company with expansive global operations.
 TECHNOLOGY-RELATED PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT/MARKETING
Through career at DuPont and training as an engineer, has acquiredAcquired extensive experience in the application of market-driven science to new product development.development through a career at DuPont and training as an engineer.
 BROAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
ExtensiveObtained extensive experience implementing business strategies in global markets.











 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement57
 

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
MARSHALL O. LARSEN

Retired Chairman,
Former Chairman, President
& Chief
Executive Officer,
Goodrich Corporation

 

Age:6768
Director Sincesince: 2012

 

Committees:

 

Finance
Governance and Public Issues ReviewPolicy

 MR. LARSENserved as Chairman, President and& CEO of Goodrich Corporation (aerospace and defense) from 2003 until July 2012 when Goodrich was acquired by UTC. He had been President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Goodrich since 2002. From 1995 through 2002, Mr. Larsen served as Executive Vice President of Goodrich, and President and Chief Operating Officer of Goodrich Aerospace. He joined Goodrich in 1977.

Mr. Larsen is a director of Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company and Air Lease Corporation. He is a former Chairman of the U.S. Aerospace Industries Association and is active in numerous community activities.
 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
Through serviceServed as Chairman and CEO of Goodrich Corporation has acquired extensive business and leadership experience in aerospace industry.from 2003 to 2012.
 EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY’SBUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY AND OPERATIONS
In-depthGained in-depth knowledge of aerospace industry, conditions affecting the industry and key customers.customers through a long career at Goodrich Corporation.
 HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISE/LITERACY
Based on oversight of CFO at Goodrich, acquiredAcquired extensive financial knowledge. Extensive senior management experience has also providedliteracy as well as broad knowledge of governance, regulatory and risk management issues facing large public companies.companies through oversight of CFO at Goodrich and extensive senior management experience.








 

      
HAROLD MCGRAW III

 

Chairman Emeritus,
McGraw HillS&P Global, Inc. (formerly
McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc.)

 

Age:6768
Director Sincesince:2003

 

Committees:

 

Compensation and Executive
Development
Finance Nominations and Governance

 

MR. MCGRAWis Chairman Emeritus of McGraw HillS&P Global Inc. (formerly McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc. (ratings,—ratings, benchmarks, and analytics for financial markets)reports), having served as that company’s Chairman from 1999 through April 2015 and as McGraw Hill’sMcGraw-Hill’s CEO from 1998 to 2013. Before thatFrom 1993 to 2013, he was McGraw Hill’sMcGraw-Hill’s President and Chief Operating Officer (1993 to 2013). Officer.

Mr. McGraw is a director of Phillips 66 and a former director of ConocoPhillips (2005 to 2012).

He is Chairman of the Emergency CommitteeU.S. Council for American Trade, International ChamberBusiness, a member of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy &and Negotiations, is the Honorary Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce, and a former Chairman of Thethe Business Roundtable. In addition, Mr. McGrawhe serves on the boards of the Asia Society, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, Carnegie Hall Society and the New York Public Library and Carnegie Hall.

Library.
 Key Skills and Expertise
 CEO EXPERIENCE
Served as CEO of McGraw HillMcGraw-Hill Financial from 1998 to 2013 and as Chairman of that large global enterprise from 1999 to 2015.
 HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL LITERACY
Expertise on transformational changes to business portfolios, with focus on enhancements to shareowner value.
BROAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Through experience as CEO, service as a director at several large global companies and leadership roles in other organizations, has acquiredAcquired broad knowledge of global trade and business activities in diverse and challenging economic conditions.conditions through experience as CEO, as a director at several large global companies and through leadership roles in other organizations.
EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY’S BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY
Provides expertise and perspective on UTC’s performance, opportunities and investor expectations through extensive experience in the financial ratings and analytics industry.








 

68
 

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

RICHARD B. MYERS

Ret. General, U.S. Air Force
and Former Chairman, Joint
Chiefs of Staff

Age:74
Director Since2006

Committees:

Audit
Compensation and
Executive Development
Nominations and Governance

GENERAL MYERS, a retired U.S. Air Force General, served as Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2001 to 2005. He was the principal military adviser to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by President Clinton, a role that included acting as Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Vice Chairman of the Defense Acquisition Board, and member of the National Security Council Deputies Committee and the Nuclear Weapons Council. General Myers is a director of Aon Corporation, Northrop Grumman and Rivada Networks (non-public). He is the Foundation Professor of Military History and Leadership at Kansas State University and holds the Colin Powell Chair for National Security Leadership, Ethics and Character at the National Defense University. General Myers is also a member of the Defense Health Board, a member of the Board of Directors of the Kansas State University Foundation, and a board member at several other non-profit organizations, including Fisher House and MRIGlobal.Key Skills and Expertise
GOVERNMENT AND GEOPOLITICAL
Extensive senior leadership experience with military, global security and geopolitical issues of significant relevance to UTC’s businesses.
EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY’SBUSINESS, INDUSTRY AND OPERATIONS
Based on extensive experience in military and U.S. Government, provides important perspectives on opportunities and challenges for UTC’s government contracting businesses.
RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
Provides important insights into organizational adjustment to address diverse economic and strategic challenges.












Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners7

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
FREDRIC G. REYNOLDS

 

Retired Executive
Vice
President and
Chief
Financial Officer,
CBS
Corporation

 

Age:6566
Director Sincesince: 2016

 

Committees:

 

Audit
NominationsGovernance and Governance
Public Policy

 MR. REYNOLDSserved as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CBS Corporation (media) from 2005 until his retirement in 2009, following a long career with CBS and its predecessor companies. This included serving as President and CEO of Viacom Television Stations Group from 2001 to 2005;2005, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Viacom, Inc. from 2000 to 2001;2001, and as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CBS Corporation and its predecessor, Westinghouse Electric Corporation from 1994 to 2000. Earlier in his career, Mr. Reynolds spent twelve years at PepsiCo, Inc. (food and beverages), where he held a number of senior positions, including serving as Chief Financial Officer orand Financial Officer of several of thethat company’s major businesses.

Mr. Reynolds is a director of MondelēzMondelez International, Inc. (formerly Kraft Foods Inc.), Hess Corporation, and Metro Goldwyn Mayer,MGM Holdings, Inc. (non-public), NEP Group, Inc. (non-public) and is a former director of AOL, Inc. (2009 to 2015).
 Key Skills and Expertise
 HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISEEXPERTISE/LITERACY
Certified public accountant and qualifies as an audit committee financial expert. Served as CFO for public companies operating in diverse and challenging conditions, including transformative changes. Certified public accountant and qualifies as an Audit Committee financial expert.
 TECHNOLOGY-RELATED PRODUCTDEVELOPMENT/MARKETING
ExtensiveObtained extensive experience in evaluating investments inof rapidly changing technologies for producing and distributing media products in diverse, highly competitive global markets.products.
 RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
SignificantGained significant knowledge of risk management and oversight gained through extensive experience as a CFO and service on public company audit committees.








 

      
BRIAN C. ROGERS

 

Chairman and Chief
Investment Officer,
T. Rowe Price
Group, Inc.

 

Age:6061
Director Sincesince:2016

 

Committees:

 

Compensation and
Executive Development
Finance

 MR. ROGERShas been Chairman of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (investment management) since 2007 and has also served as Chief Investment Officer of that company since 2004. He has been a director of the Price Group since 1997. In addition, he was portfolio manager of one of the firm’s largest funds, the T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund, from its inception until October 2015. Mr. Rogers has held a variety of other senior leadership roles and has been involved in investment management with T. Rowe Price since beginning his career there in 1982 and has been involved in investment management for the company since 1983. 1982.

Mr. Rogers is a member ofon the Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Boards of Trustees, chairmanis Chairman of the finance committee for the Archdiocese of BaltimoreBaltimore’s finance committee, and is a board member of the Greater Baltimore Committee. He also serves onCommittee board and the investment committee for Vanderbilt University.Maryland Economic Development Commission.
 Key Skills and Expertise
 HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISEEXPERTISE/LITERACY
Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Investment Counselor.
 EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY’SBUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY AND OPERATIONS
BasedGained unique expertise and perspective on Company performance, opportunities and investor expectations through his extensive experience as an investment manager, provides unique expertise and perspective on large public company performance, opportunities and investor expectations.manager.
 RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
SignificantAcquired significant knowledge of risk management and oversight acquired through his broad experience in investment management, including Chief Investment Officer of a large investment management firm.








 

8Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement9
 

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

 

      
H. PATRICK SWYGERT

President Emeritus,
Howard University

Age:72
Director Since2001

Committees:

Audit Compensation and Executive Development Nominations and Governance

MR. SWYGERTserved as President of Howard University from 1995 to 2008. Prior to that, he was President of the University at Albany, State University of New York (1990 to 1995), and Executive Vice President of Temple University (1987 to 1990). Mr. Swygert is a director of The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. He is also a member of the Advisory Council for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and Professor Emeritus at the Howard University School of Law.Key Skills and Expertise
HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL LITERACY
Experience in leadership roles at major educational institutions, as well as service on board audit and risk committees at two public companies, has given him extensive knowledge of financial and disclosure considerations.
GOVERNMENT AND GEOPOLITICAL
Based upon his experience in senior leadership at three major universities and participation in other civic and government advisory organizations, provides important perspectives on organizational transformation, government relations, and cultural and civic issues.
RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
Through experience in strategic planning, risk management and governance, provides important insights into risk management and governance in diverse economic conditions.



Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners9

PROPOSAL 1:Election of Directors

ANDRÉ VILLENEUVE

Chairman, ICE Benchmark
Administration Limited

Age:71
Director Since1997

Committees:

Audit
Finance

Public Issues Review

MR. VILLENEUVEhas been Chairman of ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (part of The ICE Group) since January 2014. From 2007 to 2013 he was Chairman of the City of London’s International Regulatory Strategy Group (which works closely with the U.K. government on financial services regulatory issues), and was also Chairman of NYSE Euronext LIFFE from 2003 to 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Villeneuve was Executive Director of Reuters PLC (1989 to 2000) and served as President, Reuters America (1980 to 1990). He also served as Chairman of Instinet Corporation, an electronic brokerage subsidiary of Reuters, from 1990 to 1999. Mr. Villeneuve first joined Reuters in 1967 and over the course of his career was based in London, Belgium, Latin America and the U.S. Mr. Villeneuve is a member of the Advisory Council of TheCityUK. He is also a former Chairman of Promethee, the French think tank, and a former non-executive director of Aviva PLC, the Lloyd’s of London Franchise Board, IFSL (International Financial Services London), IFRI (Institut Français des Relations Internationales) and Euroarbitrage. He is a Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II of Belgium.Key Skills and Expertise
BROAD INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE
Extensive business and financial experience in the U.K., Europe, Latin America and the U.S.
HIGH LEVEL OF FINANCIAL LITERACY
Extensive expertise in financial markets and complex securities. Qualifies as audit committee financial expert.
GOVERNMENT AND GEOPOLITICAL
As a participant in several government advisory boards, has acquired significant insights into financial market and economic trends.
















CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN

 

President, The Whitman
Strategy Group

 

Age:6970
Director Sincesince:2003

 

Committees:

 

Finance
NominationsGovernance and Governance
Public Issues Review
Policy

 GOVERNOR WHITMANhas been President of The Whitman Strategy Group (environmental and public policy consulting) since December 2004. She served as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from January 2001 through June 2003 and as Governor of the State of New Jersey from 1994 through 2001.

Governor Whitman is a director of Texas Instruments, IncorporatedInc. and she served on the board of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (private company).(non-public) from 2003 to 2016. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and Chair of the Board of the American Security Project. In addition, she is a trustee andVice Chair of the Executive Committee chair atBoard of Trustees of the Eisenhower Fellowship Foundation and a member of the Senior Advisory Committee of Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. Governor Whitman is also is Co-Chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition and a board member at the Center for Sustainable Shale Development.
 Key Skills and Expertise
 GOVERNMENT AND GEOPOLITICAL
ExtensiveObtained extensive senior leadership experience in U.S. and state executive functions. ProvidesGained important perspectives on environmental, public policy and government relations issues.
 RISK MANAGEMENT/OVERSIGHT
Through her career in government and private industry, has acquiredAcquired extensive expertise in management and oversight of complex environmental and other risks and public policy matters.matters through her career in government and private industry.
 EXTENSIVE GOVERNANCE EXPERIENCEKNOWLEDGE OF COMPANY’S BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY
Based on experienceGained understanding of, and insight into, UTC’s businesses through her role as a director of several large companies, as well as her service in government, provides important insights into effective governance and leadership structures.Public Issues Review Committee Chair from 2008 to 2016.








 

10
 

 

Corporate Governance

 

Our Commitment to Sound Corporate Governance

 

UTC is committed to strong corporate governance practices that are designed to maintain high standards of oversight, integrity and ethics, while promoting long-term growth in shareowner value.

 

Our governance structure enables independent, experienced and accomplished directors to provide advice, insight and oversight to advance the interests of the Company and our shareowners. UTC has long strived to maintain sound governance standards, aswhich is reflected in our Code of Ethics and Governance Guidelines, and in our systematic approach to risk management. We are committedmanagement, and our commitment to transparent financial reporting and strong internal controls.

 

We encourage you to visit the Corporate Governance section of our website (http://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/default.aspx), where you will find detailedmay access information about corporate governance at UTC, including:

 

Our Governance Guidelines
  
Charters for our Board Committees
  
Our Code of Ethics
Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
  
Our Code of Ethics
Information about our Ombudsman/DIALOGOmbudsman program, which allows UTCUTC’s employees and third parties to raise questions confidentially and outside the usual management channels
  
Information on how shareowners and other interested persons may addresscommunicate concerns to the Board of Directors

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

In November 2014,September 2016, the Board elected Gregory J. Hayes, our President and Chief Executive Officer, to serve as Chairman of the Board and designated Edward A. Kangas an independent director, to serve as non-executive Chairman of the Board.Board’s Lead Director.

 

POLICY ON CHAIRMAN AND CEO ROLES

 

The Committee on NominationsGovernance and GovernancePublic Policy periodically reviews our governance practices and board leadership structure. As provided in UTC’s Governance Guidelines, the Board has no fixed policy on whether or not the Company’s Chief Executive Officer also is permitted simultaneously to serve simultaneously as Chairman of the Board. Instead, the Board believes this determination should be based on the Company’s best interests in light of the circumstances, which may vary over time. The Board, therefore, reserves the authority towill choose the structure that it believes will provide the most effective leadership and oversight for the Company, while also facilitating the effective functioning of both the Board and management. In making this decision, the Board considers a range of factors, including: the Company’s operating and financial performance under the then-existing structure; any recent or anticipated changes in the CEO role; the effectiveness of the then-current processes and structures for Board interaction with and oversight of management; and the importance of maintaining a single voice in leadership communications and Board oversight, both internally and with investors.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement11
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Taking these considerations into account, the Board has concluded that the separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer best serves the interests of shareowners and the Company at this time. However, the Board has combined and separated the Chairman and CEO positions in the past and will continue to exercise its judgment on this matter going forward.

In February 2015, the Board amended UTC’s Bylaws and Governance Guidelines to more fully define the responsibilities of a non-executive Chairman. These responsibilities include:

presiding at meetings of the Board of Directors and shareowners;
presiding at executive sessions of the non-management directors and providing feedback to the CEO;
the authority to call meetings of the directors and of shareowners;
at the request of the Board of Directors, serving as liaison between the Board and the CEO;
in conjunction with the CEO, planning and organizing the activities of the Board, including agendas and schedules for meetings; and
communicating annually to the CEO, the Board’s evaluation of his or her performance.

 

POLICY ON NON-MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP ROLE

 

The Board firmly supports maintaining a non-management director in a leadership role at all times, whether as non-executive Chairman or as Lead Director. In February 2015, the Board amended UTC’s Bylaws and Governance Guidelines to require the electiondesignation by the Board of a non-management director to serve as Lead Director whenever the role of Chairman is held by the CEO or another UTC executive. In those circumstances,September 2016, the Board amended the Governance Guidelines to expand the duties and responsibilities of the Lead Director would beto essentially mirror the duties and responsibilities of the non-executive Chairman.

The non-executive Chairman and Lead Director are charged with, among other duties, coordinating the activities of the independent directors, and serving as a liaison between the Board and management.management, and participating in planning meeting agendas. The Board believes that the presence of anon-executive Chairman or Lead Director will enhancerole enhances the effectiveness of the independent directors and provideprovides a channel for non-management directors to candidly raise issues or concerns for Board consideration.

 

The Board believes that the existence of an independent,a non-executive Chairman or Lead Director with defined responsibilities that include participation in planning meeting agendas, also enhances oversight of risk management. TheOf course, the non-executive Chairman or a Lead Director, and any of the other non-management directors, are free at any time to raise matters at Board and committee meetings.

 

UTC’s non-management directors meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions without any members of management present and in additional executive sessions, as requested by directors. In practice, these executive sessions occur before or after most Board meetings. The purpose of theseThese executive sessions is to promote open and candid discussion among the non-management directors.

 

SUCCESSION PLANNING

On an annual basis, the Chairman & CEO and the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer present to the Board the Company’s succession plans for key senior leadership roles, including the role of CEO. Succession plans include a readiness assessment, biographical information and future career development plans. Feedback from the Board is incorporated into the plans and updated annually.

Director Independence

 

The Board has adopted independence standards for directors that satisfy the corporate governance requirements for companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). You can find moreNYSE. More details about these standards are in our Governance Guidelines.

 

The Board has determined that each of the nominees for election at the Annual Meeting, other than Mr. Hayes, qualifies as independent under the independence standards. Specifically, none of the nominees, other than Mr. Hayes, has a business, financial, family or other relationship with UTC that is considered to be material under UTC’s independence

12

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

standards. In determining the independence of our directors, the Board considered the relevant facts and circumstances bearing on the independence of each of the nominees, includingnominees. This includes charitable contributions that UTC made to non-profit organizations with which some nominees are or have been associated. It also considered sales and purchases of products and services, in the ordinary course of business, between UTC (or its subsidiaries) and companies where some nominees are or have been employed as executive officers. In each of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2015,2016, the annual payments UTC made or received for products and services or theUTC’s charitable contributions made by UTC fell well below the thresholds in our independence standards (the greater of $1 million or 2% of the organization’s or other company’s total gross revenues ofrevenues). The table on the other organization). In particular, none of the payments made or received by UTC exceeded the greater of $1 million or 0.5% of the other organization’s consolidated gross revenues. The following tablepage shows the 20152016 relationships that were considered by the Board in determining the independence of nominees.

 

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE DETERMINATIONS: RELATIONSHIPS CONSIDERED

Director12Organization and Director’s RelationshipType of Transaction, Relationship
or Arrangement of Organization with UTC
Total 2015
Payments
JOHN V. FARACIInternational Paper(Corporation)
Chairman & CEO (until his retirement from those positions in 2014)
Sales to UTC of paper products; purchases from UTC of services and products for aircraft engines, elevators and air conditioning equipment.$5,163,683;
$2,178,770
EDWARD A. KANGASTenet Healthcare(Corporation)
Non-Executive Chairman (until May 2015)
Purchases from UTC of services and products for elevators and air conditioning equipment.$361,129
ELLEN J. KULLMANDuPont(Corporation)
Chair & Chief Executive Officer (until her retirement from those positions in October 2015)
Sales to UTC of materials; purchases from UTC of elevator and air conditioning services and products.$30,772,768;
$3,549,085
HAROLD MCGRAW IIIMcGraw Hill Financial, Inc.(Corporation)
Chairman (until his retirement from that position in April 2015)
Fees paid by UTC for credit ratings in connection with debt securities issued by UTC and fees for industry statistics and reports.

$2,212,470

RICHARD B. MYERSUnited Services Organization (USO)
(Non-profit supporting U.S. troops and families)
Chairman (through October 2015)
Charitable contributions received from UTC.    (1)
Kansas State University Foundation
(support for university)
Chairman (through September 2015)
Charitable contributions received from UTC.    (1)
BRIAN C. ROGERST. Rowe Price(Corporation)
Chairman & Chief Investment Officer
Purchases from UTC of elevator services and products.$177,230
H. PATRICK SWYGERTHoward University(Educational Institution)
Professor Emeritus, former President
Purchases from UTC of elevator maintenance services; charitable contributions and recruiting fees received from UTC.$808,416
(1)
CHRISTINE T. WHITMANEisenhower Fellowship Foundation
(Non-profit providing fellowships to mid-career emerging leaders)
Board member
Charitable contributions received from UTC.      (1)

(1) The total amount of UTC’s charitable contributions for 2015 to any individual non-profit organization identified in this table did not exceed $300,000 and the average contribution was approximately $132,000.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners13
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE DETERMINATIONS: RELATIONSHIPS CONSIDERED

DIRECTORORGANIZATION AND DIRECTOR’S
RELATIONSHIP
TYPE OF TRANSACTION, RELATIONSHIP OR
ARRANGEMENT OF ORGANIZATION WITH UTC
TOTAL 2016PAYMENTS
BRIAN C. ROGERST. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
(Investment management)
Chairman and Chief Investment Officer  
Purchases from UTC of elevator services and products; engagement of T. Rowe Price as a trustee, investment manager and for administrative and other services related to the Employee Savings Plan.$197,062;
$914,620 
H. PATRICK SWYGERTHoward University
(Educational institution)
Professor Emeritus, former President
Purchases from UTC of elevator maintenance and air conditioning services; charitable contributions received from UTC.$949,730;
$45,000 
CHRISTINE T. WHITMANEisenhower Fellowship Foundation
(Non-profit providing fellowships to mid-career emerging leaders)
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Charitable contributions received from UTC.      $335,000

 

Majority Voting for Directors

 

Under UTC’s Bylaws, in order for a director to be elected at the annual meetingAnnual Meeting in an uncontested election, a majority of the votes cast with respect to the candidate must be voted “for” the director.that individual. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered votes cast. In an uncontested election, any incumbent director who receives a greater number of votes “against” than votes “for” his or her election must, under UTC’s Governance Guidelines, promptly tender his or her resignation to the Committee on NominationsGovernance and Governance.Public Policy. The Committee must then recommend to the Board, within 90 days after the election, whether to accept or reject the resignation. The director who tendered a resignation may not participate in this decision. Regardless of whether the Board accepts or rejects the resignation, the Company must promptly file a Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in which it publicly discloses and explains the Board’s decision.

 

If a director’s resignation is accepted, the Committee also will recommend to the Board whether the vacancy should be filled or the size of the Board should be reduced. Under the Bylaws, a vacancy arising in these circumstances may be filled, at the discretion of the Board, by a majority vote of the directors, or at a special meeting of shareowners called by the Board.

 

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement13

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Committees

 

The fivefour standing committees of the Board are:are the Audit Committee, the Committee on NominationsGovernance and Governance,Public Policy, the Committee on Compensation and Executive Development, and the Finance Committee. In April 2016, in an effort to promote efficiency and allow more time for full Board meetings and private sessions, the Board merged the Committee on Nominations and Governance with the Public Issues Review Committee. Committee to form the Committee on Governance and Public Policy.

Each of these committees,committee, other than the Finance Committee, is composed exclusively of directors determined by the Board to be independent and in the case of the Audit Committee, the Committee on Nominations and Governance and the Committee on Compensation and Executive Development, satisfy the corporate governance requirements imposed by the NYSE. The chairperson of each committee reports to the Board on actions taken at each committee meeting.

 

Each committee has authority to retain independent advisers to assist in the fulfillment of its responsibilities, to approve the fees paid to those advisers and to terminate their engagements. All committee charters are available on UTC’s website at:athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspx.default.aspx.

 

AUDIT

AUDIT

 

The Audit Committeeassists the Board in overseeing the reliability and integrity of UTC’s financial statements,statements; the independence, qualifications and independenceperformance of the Independent Auditor,Auditor; UTC’s compliance with its policies and procedures, internal controls, Code of Ethics and applicable laws and regulations; and UTC’s policies and practices to assess and manage exposure to risk. Each year the Committee nominates, for appointment by shareowners, an accounting firm to serve as Independent Auditor andAuditor. The Committee is responsible for the compensation, retention and oversight of the Independent Auditor. The Board has determined during 2016 that DirectorsMessrs. Kangas, Kullman, Reynolds and Villeneuve each are “audit committee financial experts”,experts,” as that term is defined in SEC rules.

 

Edward A. Kangas
(Chair)

Ellen J. Kullman

Diane M. Bryant*
Richard B. Myers
Fredric G. Reynolds(1)
H. Patrick Swygert
André Villeneuve

20152016 Meetings:87


 

NOMINATIONS AND GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC POLICY

 

The Committee on NominationsGovernance and GovernancePublic Policyidentifies and periodically reviews the qualifications that the Board uses to select director candidates and, whencandidates. When there is a vacancy on the Board, the Committee identifies, evaluates and recommends candidates to be nominated by the Board for election by our shareowners (or to be elected by the Board, if it chooses to fill a vacancy arising between shareowner meetings). The Committee also reviews and assesses the effectiveness of UTC’s nomination policies on an annual basis.basis, submits to the Board recommendations for committee assignments, and reviews and oversees UTC’s positions on significant public policy issues and corporate social responsibility. For more information about how the Committee identifies candidates, see the discussion of Board membership criteria“Board Membership Criteria” and the nomination process in Proposal 1—Election of Directors“Nominating Process” sections on pages 1 and 2 of this Proxy Statement.

 

H. Patrick SwygertEllen J. Kullman
(Chair)

John V. Faraci

Lloyd J. Austin III
Jean-Pierre Garnier
Edward A. Kangas
Harold McGraw IIIMarshall O. Larsen
Richard B. Myers
Fredric G. Reynolds(1)
Christine T. Whitman

20152016 Meetings:45


 

 (1) Appointed a member of Committee effective February 8, 2016.

*Appointed a member of the Committee effective January 1, 2017.

 

14
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

COMPENSATION AND EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT

COMPENSATION AND EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT

 

The Committee on Compensation and Executive Developmentreviews and oversees executive compensation and development programs, determines what corporate goals and objectives are relevant to CEO compensation, and sets the CEO’s compensation based on an evaluation of performance in light of these goals and objectives. In addition, the Committee reviews and oversees the design of the long-term incentive plansannual and annuallong-term incentive compensation, as well as compensation policies and practices and their associated risks.

 

The Committee makes compensation decisions for UTC’s Executive Leadership Group (“ELG”) members, which include each of the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”)NEOs listed in this Proxy Statement, and also reviews UTC’s programs and policies for management development and succession.Statement.

 

While the President and CEO makes recommendations to the Committee on the type and amount of compensation for each ELG member, the Committee, subject to Board oversight, is the final decision-makerdecision maker regarding the compensation paid to those executives. However, the President and CEO is not at any time involved in the determination of his own compensation. The President and CEO and the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer determine the compensation of executives other executivesthan ELG members and oversee compensation program administration.

 

While the President and CEO and the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer attend Committee meetings regularly by invitation, the Committee considers certain matters in private executive sessions. For additional information as to the functions and processes overseen by the Committee, see the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that begins on page 2728 of this Proxy Statement.

 

Jean-Pierre Garnier
(Chair)

John V. Faraci
Edward A. Kangas
Ellen J. Kullman
Harold McGraw III
Richard B. Myers
Brian C. Rogers(1)
H. Patrick Swygert

20152016 Meetings:65


 

FINANCE

FINANCE  

 

The Finance Committeereviews and as appropriate, makes recommendations to the Board on the management of the Company’s financial resources and strategies. It considers plans for significant acquisitions and divestitures and their potential financial impact, and monitors progress on pending and completed transactions. The Committee also reviews significant financing programs in support of business objectives;objectives, policies on investments and uses of cash;cash, significant capital appropriations;appropriations, dividend policies;policies and share repurchase programs;programs. The Committee oversees risks and exposures related to capital structure, liquidity, financing, pension funding and investment performance;performance, insurance programs; andprograms, investment of pension assets and other significant transactions.

*Appointed a member of the Committee effective January 1, 2017.

 

John V. Faraci
(Chair)

Lloyd J. Austin III
Diane M. Bryant*
Gregory J. Hayes
Ellen J. Kullman
Marshall O. Larsen
Harold McGraw III
Brian C. Rogers(1)
André Villeneuve
Christine T. Whitman

20152016 Meetings:4


 

(1)Appointed a member of Committee effective February 8, 2016.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement15
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

PUBLIC ISSUES REVIEWMeeting Attendance

 

The Public Issues Review Committeereviews and monitors UTC’s positions on and responses to significant public policy issues, including: our policies and objectives with respect to safety and the environment and our compliance with related laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries; plans and performance related to ensuring equal employment opportunities; significant legislative and regulatory issues that may affect UTC and its operations; actions and objectives to further corporate social responsibility; policies and priorities for contributions to charitable, educational and other tax-exempt organizations involved in the arts, civic and community affairs, education and health and human services; community relations programs; and our conduct of public policy and government relations activities, including the activities of UTC’s political action committee. The Committee also reviews UTC’s annual Corporate Responsibility Report and oversees risk management policies and practices with regard to social responsibility, reputation, safety and the environment.

 Christine T. Whitman
(Chair)
  Jean-Pierre Garnier
Ellen J. Kullman
Marshall O. Larsen
André Villeneuve
2015 Meetings:38
Board meetings in 2016
75%
 or more of Board and Committee meetings attended by each director in 2016
100%
of directors who were Board members at the time attended UTC’s 2016 Annual Meeting*


 

Meeting Attendance*General Austin and Ms. Bryant joined UTC’s Board after the Annual Meeting.

 

The Board met ten times during 2015. Each director attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and committees on which he or she served. The Board’s policy is that each director, if standing for re-election, should attend the Annual Meeting of Shareowners, unless there is an unavoidable scheduling conflict. All of the current directors attended the 2015 Annual Meeting, except Messrs. Reynolds and Rogers, who were elected to the Board effective January 1, 2016.

 

Director Stock Ownership Requirements

 

To strengthen alignment with the interests of shareowners, each non-management director is required to own shares of Common Stock, deferred stock units or other Common Stock equivalents having a value equal to at least five times the annual base cash retainer. In 2015,2016, the base cash retainer was $112,000, thereby establishing an ownership requirement of at least $560,000. Non-management directors must achieve this ownership level within five years after firstof becoming a member of the Board. EachCurrently, each of the non-management directors is in compliance with this ownership requirement, or additional time remains available within the five yeardesignated five-year period.

 

How We Manage Risk

 

OUR RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

 

DuringIn 2014, UTC revised its enterprise risk managementEnterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) program and policies to conform to the criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. Under our policies, the presidents of the major business units are responsible for identifying and reporting to the Chairman & CEO the risks that could affect the achievement of business goals and strategies, assessing the likelihood and potential impact of significant risks and prioritizing these risks and the actions to be taken to address them. The presidents of major business units report to the CEO on actions to monitor and manage significant risks in order to remain within UTC’s risk tolerance ranges.

16

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

BOARD RISK OVERSIGHT

 

The Chairman & CEO, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President & General Counsel periodically report on UTC’s risk management policies and practices to relevant Board committees and to the full Board. The Audit Committee annually reviews major financial risk exposures and a number ofrisks, certain operational, compliance, reputational and strategic risks, as well as practices to monitor and manage those risks. The Audit Committee also reviews UTC’s overall policies and practices for enterprise risk management, including the delegation of oversight for particular areas of risk to the appropriate Board committees. As a whole, the Board reviews risk management practices and a number of significant risks in the course of its review of corporate strategy, business plans, reports of Board committee meetings and other presentations.

 

16

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board and Committee Risk Oversight Responsibilities

 

Board/CommitteePrimary Areas of Risk Oversight

Full Board

Risk management process and structure,structure; strategic risks associated with UTC’s business planplan; and other significant risks, such asincluding major litigation, business development risks and succession planning.

Audit Committee

Major financial risk exposures;exposures, including significant operational, compliance, reputational, strategic and cyber securitycybersecurity risks; and UTC’s overall policies and practices for enterprise risk management.

Committee on NominationsGovernance and Governance

Risks and exposures related to corporatePublic Policy

Corporate governance, leadership structure, effectiveness of Board and committee oversight; and review of director candidates,candidate review; conflicts of interestinterest; director independence; environment; workplace safety; equal employment opportunity; important public policy issues; government relations and director independence.other matters involving reputational risks.

Committee on Compensation
and Executive Development

Risks related to executive

Executive recruitment, assessment, development retention and succession policies and programs;retention; and risks associated with compensation and benefits policies and practices, including incentive compensation.compensation programs.

Finance Committee

Risks and exposures related to capital

Capital structure, liquidity, financing, pension funding and investment performanceperformance; and significant capital transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures.

Public Issues Review CommitteeRisks related to the environment and workplace safety, equal employment opportunity, responses to important public issues, government relations and other matters involving reputational risks.

 

COMPENSATION AND RISK MITIGATION

 

UTC designs and administers its executive compensation programs to motivate executives in a manner that it believes appropriately balances financial opportunity and risk. The Committee on Compensation and Executive Development (the “Committee”) believes that executive compensation should be contingentbased on performance relative to pre-established targets, and objectives. Our executives must achieve thesethat such performance targets and other pre-established objectives in a mannermust be achieved consistent with UTC’s ethical standards and internal policies.Code of Ethics. The Committee firmly believes that executive compensation shoulddoes not reward accomplishments that compromise UTC’s ethical standards or long-term shareowner value. Accordingly, the Company retains the right to recover compensation if any violations are discovered after compensation payouts have already occurred.

 

Compensation arrangements, if not properly designed and administered, can encourage excessive risk taking and jeopardize long-term Company performance and shareowner value. Therefore, one of the goals of UTC’s executive compensation program is to motivate executives in a manner that appropriately balances financial opportunity and risk.

Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) Program.UTC mitigates compensation-related risk to its long-term performance, ethical standards and reputation by monitoring these risks as part of UTC’s ERM program. The Board of Directors annually reviews the ERM program to identify, monitor and manage financial, ethical and reputational risk throughout the Company and its business units.Company. The ERM program recognizes executive compensation as a potentialmitigates compensation-related risk factor, which UTC mitigates in the following ways:

 

Emphasizing Long-Term Performance.Long-term incentives are the cornerstone of UTC’s executive compensation program. As shown in the chart on page 37, 79% of the value of Mr. Hayes’ 2015 compensation derived from long-term incentives, compared to the 8% that is attributable to his annual cash bonus. A significant stake in future performance and share value reduces the likelihood that our executives might pursue short-term opportunities that create undue risk to future Company performance.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners17

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Emphasizing Long-Term Performance.Long-term incentives are the cornerstone of UTC’s executive compensation program. As shown in the chart on page 38, 66% of the value of Mr. Hayes’ 2016 compensation is derived from long-term incentives, compared to 23% attributable to his annual bonus. A significant stake in future performance and share value reduces the likelihood that our executives might pursue short-term opportunities that create excessive long-term risk.
Aligning Employee and Shareowner Interests.The Committee’s selection of performance metrics is also designed to set an appropriate balance betweenappropriately balances short- and long-term objectives. Long-term incentive awards, which include Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)In 2016, SARs and Performance Share Units (“PSUs”), makePSUs made up the largest portion of annual compensation for our senior executives. SARs have a three-year vesting period and a ten-year term, with compensation delivered contingent on share price appreciation. The vesting of our 2016 PSUs granted in 2015 is basedwill depend on two metrics: earnings per share (“EPS”) growth and relative total shareowner return (“TSR”), bothachievement of three pre-established performance targets measured over a three-year period.period: EPS growth, relative TSR and ROIC. The Committee believes these metrics provide an appropriateappropriately measure of long-term financial performance and sustainable growth. We believe these broad-based measures correlate with shareowner value and by design, do not reward selective or narrow objectives that could be achieved independentsustainable growth.

Notice of the Company’s overall best interests.2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement17
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Maintaining Rigorous Executive Share Ownership Requirements.To further encourage a long-term focus on sustainable performance and shareowner value creation, weWe require our senior executives to own a significant amount of UTC Common Stock or stock units. Our CEO, Mr. Hayes, has a share ownership requirement equal to six times his base salary. ShareThe value of share holdings of other ELG members must equal at least three times their base salary within five years of appointment to the ELG. Non-employee directors are also required to own shares or stock units equal in value to five times the cash portion of the annual base retainer. The Committee believes these ownership requirements align the interests of our executives, directors and shareowners by encouraging a long-term focus on sustainable performance and growth.
  
Prohibiting Hedging.To avoid undermining the goals of our share ownership policy, UTC prohibits directors and executive officers from entering into short sales of our securities, or similar transactions where potential gains are linked to a decline in the value of our Common Stock. Recipients of equity awards may not enter into any agreement that has the effect of transferring or exchanging any economic interest in an award for any other consideration.
  
Maintaining a Comprehensive Clawback Policy.UTC has a comprehensive policy on recoupment (“clawback”) of executive compensation. This policy applies to both our annual and long-term incentive compensation programs. In the event of a financial restatement or recalculation of a financial metric applicable to an award, the Company has the right to recover annual bonus payments as well asand gains realized from vested long-term incentive awards from any executive (including all NEOs) involved in an action found to haveactivities that caused the restatement or recalculation. Clawbacks of bonuses, long-term incentive awards and compensation realized from prior awards may all be triggered by violations of our Code of Ethics, the failure to meet employee health and safety standards, or by exposing UTC to excessive risk, as determined under the ERM program. Our policy provides theThe Company also has the right to recover compensation when an executive’s negligence (including the negligent supervision of a subordinate) causes significant harm to UTC. The policyIn addition, the Company may also permits public disclosure ofpublicly disclose the circumstances surrounding the Committee’s decision to seek recoupment where appropriate.
  
Upholding Strict Post-Employment Covenants.ELG members may not engage in activities after termination or retirement that are detrimental to UTC, such as disclosing proprietary information, soliciting UTC employees, or engaging in competitive activities. Violations can result in a clawback of annual and long-term incentive awards.

 

18

Corporate Responsibility

Corporate Sustainability

We have a strong commitment to setting aggressive targets to minimize adverse environmental impacts of our products, operations and supply chain. Since 1992, UTC has established challenging and aggressive environmental, health and safety (“EH&S”) goals, which we monitor and periodically reset. These goals are essential tools in our efforts to continuously reduce our global footprint.

Our performance surpassed all 2006 to 2015 environmental sustainability goals.

PERFORMANCE VS. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY GOALS (2006 vs. 2015)

Goal #1: Absolute greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions reduced by 32 percent.Through energy conservation, co-generation and process improvement projects across our enterprise, UTC is reducing both the climate change impacts and cost of our operations. These actions, and a commitment to continued reduction in absolute greenhouse gases, support UTC continuing on a path that is consistent with the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2050 GHG emissions target.

Goal #2: Absolute water consumption reduced by 37 percent.UTC operates in many parts of the world challenged by extreme water scarcity or limited water supply. By continuously reducing our own water use and implementing water management best practices, we reduce our risk of business disruption while also freeing up water resources that can then be used in surrounding communities. Additionally, by reducing our water use we also reduce the energy, and associated GHG emissions, needed to pump and treat water.

Goal #3: Absolute air emissions (non-greenhouse gases) reduced by 65 percent.UTC aggressively targets the reduction of air toxics or hazardous air pollutants from our manufacturing processes that could potentially impact worker health or contribute to the creation of ground-level ozone or other ambient air pollution.

Goal #4: Absolute total industrial process waste reduced by 43 percent.By continuously reducing our process waste generation, UTC addresses process and cost inefficiencies, and alleviates the burden on land and community resources at the local level.

Goal #5: Absolute non-recycled industrial process waste reduced by 43 percent.UTC targets the elimination of the portion of our industrial process waste that is currently not recycled, as our operations increasingly participate in an evolving circular waste economy. The U.S. EPA estimates that 42% of U.S. GHG emissions are attributable to materials management, so increased recycling contributes to a reduction in GHG emissions associated with our business operations.

(1) Reflects performance against initial goals as adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures. Consistent with The Green House Gas Protocol, UTC’s EH&S goals and targets are adjusted to reflect the impacts of acquired companies at the time of acquisition and to remove divested companies from UTC’s measured performance. For example, goals and actual performance were recalibrated beginning in 2013 to account for the impact of the Goodrich acquisition and for 2015 to reflect the sale of Sikorsky. UTC’s goals and targets are not adjusted for the opening of new facilities due to organic growth or for closures of facilities without a divestiture.
(2)Actual levels reflect data reported quarterly by UTC sites under common reporting and quality standards. Reported data are reviewed and consolidated by UTC Corporate staff. UTC annually submits site energy use and GHG emissions data to an independent review based on International Standards Organization 14064, Part 3 criteria for validation of GHG assertions.

 


Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners19
 

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

 

2015 Recognition for World Class Sustainability PracticesCorporate Responsibility

 

Climate A ListCorporate Sustainability

In 1992, UTC began setting environmental, health and safety goals and incorporating sustainability practices into our operations in an effort to minimize the impact of our products and operations on the environment. Since that time, we have seen first-hand how these sustainable goals and practices provide value to our operations, employees, communities, customers and shareowners.

 

The Carbon Disclosure Project namedWe believe that trends in urbanization and population growth will continue to increase demand for more sustainable products and behaviors. UTC’s major business lines - aerospace, commercial building systems, and food storage and transportation - are critical to modern life and the continuing development of prosperous economies around the world. As a recognized leader in these sectors, UTC among the top 5% of nearly 2,000 companies in 2015 for its actions and performanceis well-positioned to reduce greenhouse gas emissionsthe impact of urbanization and mitigate climate change.

Industry Promotion Award

UTC was recognized byInternational ScienceMagazine for outstanding contributionspopulation growth on the environment. We continually work to reduce the growthenvironmental footprint of sustainable cities in China throughour manufacturing facilities, while offering our customers some of the creation of innovative technologies and energy-efficient products.

2020 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY GOALS*

Building on our 2015 achievements, our new 2020 environmental sustainability goals are as follows:

-15% -25% -10% 90% -100% 
Greenhouse gas
emissions
 Water use Hazardous waste Waste recycled Chlorinated and
brominated solvent
emissions
 

*Relative to 2015 baseline year.

UTC SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES

UTC is a leader in the development ofmost cutting-edge, sustainable aerospace and building technologies. Some of our most groundbreaking, sustainable products include:technologies, including:

 

Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engine decreases fuel burn by 16%, regulated emissions by 50% and noise footprint by 75% compared to conventional engines.
Carrier Transicold and& Refrigeration Systems’ cold-chain solutions preserve food from fieldorigin to point of sale, helping to reduce global food waste and its resulting environmental impact.waste.
  
Carrier’s NaturaLINE unit uses a natural refrigerant combined with energy-efficient technology to reduce the carbon footprint of marine container refrigeration by 28% compared to conventional synthetic refrigerants.
  
Carrier’s CO2OLtec supermarket refrigeration technologies replace HFC refrigerants with naturally occurring CO2 to reduce the impact of global warming impacts.warming.
  
Carrier’s Infinity Control, combined with its energy-efficient geothermal solutions, can reducereduces heating and cooling costs by up to 70% compared to ordinary heating systems.
  
Otis’ Gen2 with ReGen technologydrive captures energy generated during an elevator’s ascent and decentdescent and recycles this energyit back into a building’s power grid, reducing energy consumption by up toas much as 75% compared to elevators with conventional drives.
  
Pratt & Whitney’s GTFOtis’ Gen2 Switch elevator is the first battery-powered Gen2 system, which allows the elevator to operate with less power than a typical microwave oven or hairdryer.
Otis’ new SkyMotion machines for Otis SkyRise elevators significantly reduce energy loss and save valuable high-rise building space by using permanent magnet gearless technology.
• UTAS’ electric-driven generators and actuators, efficient climate control systems, LED cabin lights and carbon brakes make airplanes lighter and more fuel efficient.
UTAS’ Ecological Integrated Propulsion System bundles engine, decreasesnacelle and thrust reverser underwing technologies to improve fuel burn by almost 16%,and reduce noise by 75%pollution.


Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and nitric oxide emissions by 50%, asProxy Statement19

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

PROGRESS TOWARD OUR 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

In 2016, we announced new environmental sustainability goals for the 2016-2020 period, which are measured in absolute terms. We are committed to a targeted reduction in environmental impacts, regardless of business growth. We track our progress on an annual basis and in 2016 saw progress in most of our goals:

2016-2020 Goals(1)(2)

(1)The 2020 goals and progress toward these goals are compared to conventional engines.the following 2015 baseline: total industrial process waste recycled (75%), water use (1.7 billion gallons), chlorinated and brominated solvent air chemical emissions (143,000 pounds), greenhouse gas emissions (2 million mtCO2e) and hazardous waste generation (59 million pounds).
(2)Consistent with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, UTC’s goals and targets are adjusted to reflect the impact of acquired companies at the time of acquisition and to remove divested companies from UTC’s measured performance. For example, goals and actual performance were recalibrated in 2013 to account for the Goodrich acquisition and in 2015 to reflect the sale of Sikorsky. UTC’s goals and targets are not adjusted for the opening of new facilities due to organic growth or for closures of facilities without a divestiture. Actual levels reflect data reported quarterly by UTC sites under common reporting and quality standards. Reported data are reviewed and consolidated by UTC Corporate staff. UTC annually submits site energy use and greenhouse gas emissions data to an independent review based on International Standards Organization 14064 Part 3 criteria for validation of greenhouse gas assertions.

20

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

2016 RECOGNITION FOR WORLD CLASS SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

  Carbon Disclosure Project

The Carbon Disclosure Projectrated UTC A- for our actions andperformance to reduce greenhousegas emissions and mitigate climatechange.

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leadership

The U.S. EPA recognized UTC forExcellence in Greenhouse GasManagement — Goal Achievement.

   U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Challenge

UTC was recognized by theU.S. Department of Energy for theachievement of our 43% watersavings goal between 2006 and 2015.

 

Corporate Citizenship

 

As part of our commitment to corporate responsibility, we takeUTC takes great pride in building a diverse work environment, supporting lifelong employee learning, for our employees and contributing to charitable and social causes in the communities where we do business.community causes. In the same way that we set the highest standards for our business operations, we apply the highest corporate responsibility standards and rigorous performance measurements to these efforts.

 

20

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

 

We value the diversity of our peoplebelieve that building a diverse and their ideas. Our success as a global technology leader rests on unlocking the innovative potential of our employees. We are committed to building an inclusive, high-performing environment whichwhere our employees bring unique perspectives and experiences to work every day allows everyoneus to contribute to their fullest potential.develop better and more innovative solutions for our customers.

 

2015 Diversity and Inclusion

Employee Inclusion and Engagement

Over 19,000 UTC employees belong to our nine* Employee Resource Groups, which provide employees at all organizational levels networking, development and leadership opportunities.

Best Places to Work for Latinas

In 2015, UTC was ranked as the 10thbest place to work for Latinas byLatina Style Magazine, continuing our improvement from #13 in 2014 and #35 in 2013.

  Among Best Places to Work for Latinas

 

In 2016, out of 800 companies, UTCwas ranked as the 9thbest place towork for Latinas byLatina Style Magazine, continuing ourimprovement from 10thin 2015 and13thin 2014.

  Among Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality

UTC earned the top rating of 100%from the Human Rights CampaignCorporate Equality Index, along withthe distinction of being one of the BestPlaces to Work for LGBT Equality.

  Among Best Places to Work for Employment Disability Inclusion

UTC was recognized by the DisabilityEquality Index (“DEI”), a joint initiativebetween the U.S. BusinessLeadership Network and the AmericanAssociation of People with Disabilities,as a “2016 DEI Best Place to Work.”

Diversity in Our Suppliers

 

In 2015,DiversityBusiness.com named2016, UTC the 29thbest organization for multicultural business opportunities; an award that recognizes UTC’s efforts to expand our diversity frameworkspent over $3.7billion with diverse, first tiersuppliers, representing 24% ofour U.S. spend.

Employee Inclusion andEngagement

Over 19,000 UTC employeesbelong to our suppliers. 2015 marked114* EmployeeResource Groups, which provideemployees at all levels withnetworking, development andleadership opportunities.

UTC and the 10thconsecutive year in which UTC made the Top 50.Military

 

UTC proudly supports the men,women and families of the UnitedStates Armed Forces. With nearly10,000 veterans in our ranks,UTC is committed to helpingveterans find fulfilling employmentopportunities following their returnto the civilian workforce.

*Includes African-American, Asian-American,Employee Resource Groups include: African American, Asian American, Employment Disability, Hispanic, InterGenerational, LGBT, Military/Veterans, Women and Professionals.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement21

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

In communities where we operate, UTC focuses on sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives organized into three pillars: environment, people and communities. This approach reflects our commitment to making the world a better place while building long-term, sustainable value for our shareowners.

UTC continues to support leading non-profit organizations worldwide through grant-making and employee volunteerism. The newest of these philanthropic collaborations is the Urban Expeditions initiative, a partnership between UTC and the National Geographic Society. Through cutting-edge research and reporting, this initiative will seek to learn more about today’s urbanization megatrend, while exploring innovations in green aviation, green buildings and food preservation, aimed at addressing the environmental impacts of rapid urban growth.

Through financial investments and employee volunteerism, UTC continues to support community organizations in the areas of STEM education and sustainable cities through our work with FIRST Robotics and the Center for Green Schools, among others. In the past year, we have also made major commitments of funds and employee talent to organizations such as Junior Achievement, SOS Children’s Villages and the veteran / military family-focused Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

EMPLOYEE SCHOLAR PROGRAM

At UTC, we support a culture of lifelong learning where our employees are encouraged to expand their knowledge and capabilities to maintain competitive skills in an ever-changing world. We aspire to have the best-educated workforce on the planet, because we believe education fuels the innovation and success of our technology-driven company.

In 2016, we celebrated the 20thanniversary of our Employee Scholar Program, which has been recognized numerous times over the years as one of the world’s most comprehensive employee education programs.

 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
22

Compensation of Directors

Directors’ Pay Structure

ANNUAL RETAINER

In 2016, UTC compensated non-employee directors in cash and deferred stock units (“DSUs”). Following termination of a non-employee director’s service on the Board, DSUs are converted into shares of Common Stock that can be distributed either in a lump-sum payment or in ten- or fifteen-year installments.

The following table shows the annual retainer amounts for non-employee directors for the April 2016 to April 2017 Board cycle. 40% of this retainer is allocated in cash, and the remaining 60% is delivered in DSUs. However, directors may elect to receive additional DSUs in lieu of the cash retainer.

ROLE CASH ($) DEFERRED
STOCK UNITS ($)
 TOTAL ($)
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board* $192,000 $288,000 $480,000
Audit Committee Chair $128,000 $192,000 $320,000
Audit Committee Member $124,000 $186,000 $310,000
Committee on Compensation and Executive Development Chair $122,000 $183,000 $305,000
Finance Committee Chair $122,000 $183,000 $305,000
Committee on Governance and Public Policy Chair $120,000 $180,000 $300,000
Non-Employee Director $112,000 $168,000 $280,000

 

Our people lead in their communities, volunteering time, talent and expertise everywhere across the globe.

In 2015, UTC continued to support a number of leading nonprofit organizations around the globe. We focused contributions in areas including STEM education (through grants toFIRST Robotics) and sustainable cities (through grants to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools). From major investments in the United Way and the American Red Cross to significant support for health, artistic and cultural institutions in the communities where we do business, UTC and its employees are committed to making the world a better place.

EMPLOYEE SCHOLAR PROGRAM

We support and pursue lifelong learning to expand our employees’ knowledge and capabilities and to engage with the world outside UTC. We want to have the best-educated workforce on the planet. Our Employee Scholar Program, which has been in place since 1996, is one
*Mr. Kangas served as non-executive Chairman of the most comprehensive, Company-sponsored employee education programs inBoard until September 14, 2016, at which time Mr. Hayes was elected Chairman and Mr. Kangas was designated Lead Director. No changes were made at that time to Mr. Kangas’ compensation for the world.

37,800+7,300+
Degrees earnedEmployees participated in 2015
$1.2BILLION50+
InvestedCountries with participating employees since 19962016-2017 Board cycle. However, Mr. Kangas’ compensation will be adjusted for the 2017-2018 Board cycle to reflect his service as Lead Director and Audit Committee Chair.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners21

Directors’ annual retainers are paid each year following UTC’s Annual Meeting of Shareowners in April. New non-employee directors joining the Board after the Annual Meeting, but before the end of September, receive 100% of the annual retainer, while those joining the Board between October and the following April receive 50% of the annual retainer.

Directors do not receive additional compensation for attending regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings, but are paid an additional $5,000 for each special meeting attended in person. There were no special Board or Committee meetings attended by directors in person during 2016.

ONE-TIME RSU AWARDS FOR NEW DIRECTORS

Non-employee directors receive a one-time $100,000 restricted stock unit (“RSU”) award when first elected to the Board. This award vests in equal portions over five years and is distributed to the director in shares of UTC Common Stock upon retirement, termination or death. Messrs. Austin, Reynolds and Rogers each received this award in 2016.

TREATMENT OF DIVIDENDS

When UTC pays a dividend on Common Stock, each director is credited with additional DSUs and RSUs equal in value to the dividend paid on the corresponding number of shares of Common Stock.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement23
 

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

2016 Director Compensation

 NAME(1)  FEES EARNED OR
PAID IN CASH ($)
  STOCK AWARDS ($)(2)  ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION ($)
   TOTAL ($)
Edward A. Kangas(3) $192,000 $288,000 $947  $480,947
Lloyd J. Austin III(4) $112,000 $268,000 $618  $380,618
John V. Faraci $0 $305,000 $947  $305,947
Jean-Pierre Garnier $0 $305,000 $947  $305,947
Ellen J. Kullman $0 $300,000 $947  $300,947
Marshall O. Larsen $112,000 $168,000 $1,022  $281,022
Harold McGraw III $112,000 $168,000 $947  $280,947
Richard B. Myers $124,000 $186,000 $947  $310,947
Fredric G. Reynolds(5) $186,000 $379,000 $3,274  $568,274
Brian C. Rogers(5) $0 $520,000 $3,274  $523,274
H. Patrick Swygert $124,000 $186,000 $17,479(6)    $327,479
André Villeneuve $124,000 $186,000 $947  $310,947
Christine T. Whitman $0 $280,000 $834  $280,834

 

Compensation
(1)Ms. Bryant was elected to the Board of Directors

effective January 1, 2017 and received no compensation in 2016.

(2)Stock Awards consist of the grant date fair value of DSU and RSU awards credited to the director’s account including, if applicable, the portion of the annual cash retainer that the director elected to receive as DSUs. DSUs and RSUs are calculated in accordance with the Compensation—Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC. The assumptions made in the valuation of these awards can be found in Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 2016 Annual Retainer

In 2015,Report on Form 10-K. The number of units credited to each director in 2016 was calculated by dividing the compensationvalue of the award by $105.20, the NYSE closing price per share of UTC Common Stock on April 25, 2016, the date of the 2016 Annual Meeting. Directors who joined the Board following the Annual Meeting received the number of DSUs and RSUs based on the NYSE closing price of UTC Common Stock on the applicable appointment date. As of December 31, 2016, non-employee directors consisted of a retainer that was paid partially in cash and partially in deferred stock units (“DSUs”). Following termination of a non-employee director’s service onheld the following:

NameUnvested RSUs (#)DSUs, Restricted Stock
and Vested RSUs (#)
Edward A. Kangas36,631
Lloyd J. Austin III9371,589
John V. Faraci45,597
Jean-Pierre Garnier83,693
Ellen J. Kullman14,798
Marshall O. Larsen25414,117
Harold McGraw III49,878
Richard B. Myers28,744
Fredric G. Reynolds8373,046
Brian C. Rogers8374,451
H. Patrick Swygert58,452
André Villeneuve77,863
Christine T. Whitman34,506

(3)On September 14, 2016, the Board DSUs are converted into shareselected Mr. Hayes Chairman and designated Mr. Kangas as the Board’s Lead Director.
(4)General Austin was elected to the Board effective September 1, 2016. In accordance with the UTC Board annual retainer policy, he received the full amount of Common Stock, which can be distributed either in a lump-sum payment upon retirement or in ten- or fifteen-year installments.

The following table shows the annual retainer for the April 2016 to April 2017 Board cycle in addition to the one-time $100,000 RSU award.

(5)The amounts in effectshown for non-employee directorsMessrs. Reynolds and Rogers include 50% of the annual retainer for service fromthe April 2015 to April 2016:

Role Cash Deferred
Stock Units
 Total 
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board $192,000 $288,000 $480,000 
Audit Committee Chair $128,000 $192,000 $320,000 
Audit Committee Member $124,000 $186,000 $310,000 
Committee on Compensation and Executive Development Chair $122,000 $183,000 $305,000 
Finance Committee Chair $122,000 $183,000 $305,000 
Committee on Nominations and Governance Chair $120,000 $180,000 $300,000 
Public Issues Review Committee Chair $120,000 $180,000 $300,000 
Non-Employee Director $112,000 $168,000 $280,000 

If a director served in multiple roles, his or her annual cash retainer2016 Board cycle and DSU award was based on the capacity for which the level of compensation was the highest. Non-employee directors receive 40% of the annual retainer in cash and 60% in DSUs, unless they elect to receive the entire retainer in DSUs. Directors do not receive additional compensation for attending regularly scheduled Board and Committee meetings. However, non-employee directors receive an additional $5,000 for each special meeting attended in person. There were no special Board or Committee meetings attended by directors in person during 2015.

One-Time RSU Awards for New Directors

Non-employee directors receive a one-time $100,000 restricted stock unit (“RSU”)RSU award, when first electedboth granted upon their election to the Board. This award vestsBoard effective January 1, 2016.

(6)Consists of a premium payment on a life insurance policy used to fund Mr. Swygert’s participation in equal portions over five years andthe Directors’ Charitable Gift Program. Mr. Swygert is distributed to the only non-employee director in shares offor whom UTC Common Stock upon retirement, termination or death. No director received a RSU award in 2015.

Treatment of Dividends

When UTCstill pays a dividend on Common Stock, each director is credited with additional DSUspremium because this program was closed to directors elected after February 2003. Mr. Swygert derives no financial benefit from this program. All insurance proceeds are payable to up to four charitable organizations designated by him and RSUs equal in valuetax deductions accrue solely to the dividend paid on the corresponding number of shares of Common Stock.

22

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

2015 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION(1)

Name Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
(2) Stock Awards ($)(3) All Other
Compensation ($)
 Total ($) 
Edward A. Kangas $192,000  $288,000  $1,107 $481,107 
John V. Faraci $0  $305,000  $1,107 $306,107 
Jean-Pierre Garnier $0  $305,000  $1,107 $306,107 
Ellen J. Kullman $0  $310,000  $1,107 $311,107 
Marshall O. Larsen $0  $280,000  $1,144 $281,144 
Harold McGraw III $112,000  $168,000  $1,107 $281,107 
Richard B. Myers $124,000  $186,000  $1,107 $311,107 
H. Patrick Swygert $124,000  $186,000  $17,640(4)$327,640 
André Villeneuve $0  $310,000  $1,107 $311,107 
Christine T. Whitman $120,000  $180,000  $1,107 $301,107 

(1) Messrs. Reynolds and Rogers were elected to the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2016. No compensation was paid to either director for services performed in 2015.
(2)Consists of the 2015 annual cash retainer that directors did not elect to receive in DSUs.
(3)Consists of the grant date fair value of DSU awards credited to the account of the director, including the portion, if any, of the annual cash retainer that the director elected to receive in DSUs, in each case calculated in accordance with the Compensation—Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”). The assumptions made in the valuation of these awards can be found in Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The number of DSUs credited to each director in 2015 was calculated by dividing the cash value of the DSU portion of the director’s annual retainer by $115.74, the NYSE closing price per share of UTC Common Stock (“Common Stock”) on April 27, 2015, which was the date of the 2015 Annual Meeting. As of December 31, 2015, non-employee directors held the following:UTC.

 

  Number of Unvested RSUs from the Number of DSUs, Restricted 
Name One-Time $100,000 RSU Grant Stock and Vested RSUs 
Edward A. Kangas  32,994 
John V. Faraci  41,575 
Jean-Pierre Garnier  78,877 
Ellen J. Kullman  11,595 
Marshall O. Larsen 254 12,170 
Harold McGraw III  47,042 
Richard B. Myers  26,268 
H. Patrick Swygert  55,231 
André Villeneuve  74,277 
Christine T. Whitman  30,997 

(4) Consists of a premium payment on a life insurance policy used to fund Mr. Swygert’s participation in the Directors’ Charitable Gift Program. Mr. Swygert is the only non-employee director for whom UTC still pays a premium, as this program was closed to directors elected after February 2003. Mr. Swygert derives no financial benefit from this program. All insurance proceeds are payable to up to four charitable organizations designated by him and tax deductions accrue solely to UTC.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners23
24
 

 

Stock Ownership Information

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table shows the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned as of February 28, 2017 by: (a) our current directors; (b) the Named Executive Officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 60 of this Proxy Statement; and (c) our directors and current executive officers as a group. None of the directors or the Named Executive Officers nor the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group beneficially owned more than 1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of that date. Except as explained in the footnotes to the following table, each person listed, had sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

NameShares Beneficially Owned
E. Kangas36,631
L. Austin III1,589
D. Bryant1,399
J. Faraci45,597
J. Garnier95,403
G. Hayes(1)237,487
E. Kullman14,798
M. Larsen(2)19,549
H. McGraw III53,483
R. Myers28,744
F. Reynolds16,271
B. Rogers9,451
H. Swygert58,452
A. Villeneuve77,863
C. Whitman41,356
P. Delpech44,081
A. Johri49,566
R. Leduc75,551
R. McDonough51,224
Directors & Executive Officers as a group (25 in total)(3)(4)(5)1,259,217
(1)Includes 2,129 shares of Common Stock for which Mr. Hayes’ spouse holds voting and investment power.
(2)Includes 5,432 shares of Common Stock for which Mr. Larsen’s spouse shares voting and investment power.
(3)Consists of holdings of those directors and executive officers who serve in such positions as of February 28, 2017. A complete list of UTC’s current executive officers is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2016.
(4)Includes 6,586 shares of Common Stock for which the spouse of an executive officer who is not a Named Executive Officer shares voting and investment power.
(5)Includes 1,546 shares of Common Stock for which the spouse of an executive officer who is not a Named Executive Officer holds voting and investment power.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement25

STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

The amounts in the preceding table include stock units credited to the account of the officer under the Savings Restoration Plan that are attributable to Company contributions to match 60% of the officer’s payroll contributions to his or her account under the Plan and which are settled in shares of Common Stock following the officer’s retirement or other termination of employment.(1)

The following table shows the shares (included within the amounts shown in the preceding chart) in which the listed person or the members of the group had the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after February 28, 2017 by exercising SARs or stock options and, in the case of non-management directors, upon the settlement of RSUs or DSUs as a result of their resignation or retirement from the Board:

Name Shares as to which listed
person has right to acquire
beneficial ownership
within 60 days by exercise of
stock options or SARs(2)
 Shares as to which listed
person has right to acquire
ownership within 60 days
upon conversion of RSUs
 Shares as to which listed
person has right to acquire
ownership within 60 days
upon conversion of DSUs
L. Austin III  6 1,583
D. Bryant   1,399
J. Faraci  2,247 43,350
J. Garnier   77,293
G. Hayes 122,500  
E. Kangas  2,529 34,102
E. Kullman  1,459 13,339
M. Larsen  1,146 12,971
H. McGraw III  3,001 46,877
R. Myers  1,983 26,761
F. Reynolds  237 2,809
B. Rogers  237 4,214
H. Swygert  3,759 54,693
A. Villeneuve   73,063
C. Whitman  3,001 31,505
P. Delpech 5,960  
A. Johri 31,961  
R. Leduc 20,772  
R. McDonough 40,175  
Directors & Executive Officers as a group (25 in total)(3) 401,947 19,605 423,959
(1)The following executive officers held as of February 28, 2017 the following amounts of stock units under the Savings Restoration Plan: G. Hayes, 5,995; A. Johri, 976; and R. Leduc, 939; and the current executive officers as a group held 22,418 units.
(2)For the executive officers, includes the net number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned, asissuable upon exercise of February 29, 2016, by: (a) our current directors,vested SARs. Following vesting, each SAR is exercisable for a number of whom isshares of Common Stock having a nominee for election asvalue equal to the increase in value of a director, (b)share of Common Stock from the Named Executive Officers listed indate the Summary Compensation Table on page 57SAR was granted through the date of exercise. For purposes of this Proxy Statement, and (c) our directors and current executive officers as a group. Each director and executive officer, andtable, the net number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise has been calculated using the NYSE closing price on the last trading day of 2016 of $109.62 per share of Common Stock.
(3)Consists of holdings of those directors and executive officers who serve in such positions as a group, beneficially owned less than 1%of February 28, 2017. A complete list of UTC’s executive officers is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2016.

26

STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

Beneficial Owners of More Than 5% of UTC Common Stock

The following table shows all holders known to UTC to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock as of December 31, 2016.

Name and Address Shares Percent of Class
State Street Corporation(1)
State Street Financial Center
One Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
 95,415,778 11.8%
The Vanguard Group(2)
100 Vanguard Boulevard
Malvern, PA 19355
 52,271,957 6.5%
BlackRock, Inc.(3)
55 East 52ndStreet
 New York, NY 10022
 43,445,686 5.4%

(1)State Street Corporation, acting in various fiduciary capacities, reported in an SEC filing that as of December 31, 2016, it held sole voting power with respect to zero shares of Common Stock, as of that date. Except as explained in the footnotes to the following table, each person listed, and the members of the group, had soleshared voting power and sole investment power with respect to the shares shown.

NameShares Beneficially Owned
John V. Faraci41,575
Jean-Pierre Garnier90,587
Gregory J. Hayes(1)230,881
Edward A. Kangas32,994
Ellen J. Kullman11,595
Marshall O. Larsen17,856
Harold McGraw III50,647
Richard B. Myers26,268
Fredric G. Reynolds15,254
Brian C. Rogers2,511
H. Patrick Swygert55,231
André Villeneuve74,277
Christine T. Whitman37,847
Paul Adams(2)44,803
Alain M. Bellemare(3)82,724
Geraud Darnis(4)365,220
Charles D. Gill, Jr.(5)173,597
Akhil Johri43,864
Directors & Executive Officers as a group (23 in total)(6)1,238,922

(1) Includes 2,103 shares of Common Stock for which Mr. Hayes’ spouse holds voting and investment power.
(2)Paul Adams retired from the Company effective February 29, 2016.
(3)Alain M. Bellemare retired from the Company effective January 31, 2015.
(4)Geraud Darnis retired from the Company effective January 31, 2016.
(5)Includes 1,546 shares of Common Stock for which Mr. Gill’s spouse holds voting and investment power.
(6)Consists of holdings of those directors and executive officers who continue to serve in such positions as of February 29, 2016 and, therefore, excludes the holdings of Messrs. Adams, Bellemare and Darnis. This line includes holdings of eight current executive officers in addition to those required to be listed by name in this table. A complete list of UTC’s current executive officers is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2015.

24

STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

The preceding table includes shares as to which the listed person or the members of the group had the right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time within 60 days after February 29, 2016 by exercising stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) or stock options and, in the case of non-management directors, upon the settlement of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or deferred stock units (“DSUs”) as a result of their resignation or retirement from the Board, as set forth in the following table. The amounts in the preceding table also include, for all but two of the executive officers, stock units credited to the account of the officer under the Savings Restoration Plan that are attributable to Company contributions to match 60% of the officer’s payroll contributions to his or her account under the Plan, and which are settled in95,415,778 shares of Common Stock, following the officer’s retirement or other termination of employment.(1)

Name Shares as to which
listed person has right to
acquire beneficial ownership
within 60 days by exercise
of stock options or SARs
(2)  Shares as to which listed
person has right to acquire
ownership within 60 days
upon conversion of RSUs
 Shares as to which listed
person has right to acquire
ownership within 60 days
upon conversion of DSUs
 
J. Faraci   2,191 39,384 
J. Garnier    72,477 
G. Hayes 135,534    
E. Kangas   2,465 30,529 
E. Kullman   1,422 10,173 
M. Larsen   1,365 11,059 
H. McGraw III   2,926 44,116 
R. Myers   1,934 24,334 
F. Reynolds   1,046 983 
B. Rogers   1,046 1,465 
H. Swygert   3,665 51,566 
A. Villeneuve    69,477 
C. Whitman   2,926 28,071 
P. Adams 39,724    
A. Bellemare 45,246    
G. Darnis 214,357    
C. Gill, Jr. 126,275    
A. Johri 26,813    
Directors & Executive Officers as a group (23 in total)(3) 453,554  20,986 383,634 

(1) The following executive officers held as of February 29, 2016 the following amounts of stock units under the Savings Restoration Plan: G. Hayes, 4,496; P. Adams, 1,617; A. Bellemare, 2,626; G. Darnis, 3,173; C. Gill, Jr., 6,783; A. Johri, 654 units, respectively; and the current executive officers as a group held 16,860 units.
(2)For the executive officers, includes the net number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of vested SARs. Following vesting, each SAR is exercisable for a number of shares of Common Stock having a value equal to the increase in value of a share of Common Stock from the date the SAR was granted through the date of exercise. For purposes of this table, the net number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise has been calculated using the NYSE closing price for a share of Common Stock on December 31, 2015, which was $96.07.
(3)Consists of holdings of those directors and executive officers who continue to serve in such positions as of February 29, 2016 and, therefore, excludes holdings of Messrs. Adams, Bellemare and Darnis. This line includes holdings of eight current executive officers in addition to those required to be listed by name in this table. A complete list of UTC’s current executive officers is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2015.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners25

STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION

Beneficial Owners of More Than 5% of UTC Common Stock

The following table shows all holders knownsole dispositive power with respect to us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstandingzero shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 95,415,778 shares of Common Stock. State Street Corporation also reported that its wholly-owned subsidiary, State Street Bank & Trust Company, held 55,870,427 of these shares in its capacity as Trustee for UTC’s Employee Savings Plan Master Trust. State Street Corporation disclaims beneficial ownership of the reported shares, except in its fiduciary capacity.

(2)The Vanguard Group, reporting on behalf of various subsidiaries, reported in an SEC filing that as of December 31, 2015.

Name and Address Shares Percent of Class
State Street Corporation(1) 99,702,863 11.9%
State Street Financial Center    
One Lincoln Street    
Boston, MA 02111    
The Vanguard Group(2) 51,558,180 6.2%
100 Vanguard Boulevard    
Malvern, PA 19355    
BlackRock, Inc.(3) 48,153,780 5.7%
55 East 52nd Street    
New York, NY 10022    

(1) State Street Corporation, acting in various fiduciary capacities, reported in an SEC filing that as of December 31, 2015 it held sole voting power with respect to zero shares of Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 99,702,863 shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to zero shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 99,702,863 shares of Common Stock. State Street Corporation also reported that its wholly-owned subsidiary, State Street Bank & Trust Company, held 61,441,100 of these shares in its capacity as Trustee for UTC’s Employee Savings Plan Master Trust. State Street Corporation disclaims beneficial ownership of the reported shares, except in its fiduciary capacity.
(2)The Vanguard Group, reporting on behalf of various subsidiaries, reported in an SEC filing that as of December 31, 2015 it held sole voting power with respect to 1,548,916 shares of Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 83,500 shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 49,916,427 shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,641,7532016, it held sole voting power with respect to 1,216,501 shares of Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 146,445 shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 50,916,935 shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,355,022 shares of Common Stock.
(3)BlackRock, Inc., reporting on behalf of various subsidiaries, reported in an SEC filing that as of December 31, 2016, it held sole voting power with respect to 36,912,679 shares of Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 777 shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 43,444,909 shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to 777 shares of Common Stock.
(3)BlackRock, Inc., reporting on behalf of various subsidiaries, reported in an SEC filing that as of December 31, 2015 it held sole voting power with respect to 40,104,635 shares of Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to zero shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 48,153,780 shares of Common Stock, and shared dispositive power with respect to zero shares of Common Stock.

26

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement27
 

 

Executive Compensation:

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

In this section, we discuss our compensation philosophy and describe the compensation program for our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Executive Leadership Group (“ELG”). We explain how our Board’s Committee on Compensation and Executive Development (the “Committee”) determines compensation for our senior executives and its rationale for specific 2015 pay decisions. We also discuss the evolution of our program and how it is structured to advance its fundamental objective: aligning our executives’ compensation with the long-term interests of UTC shareowners.

Executive Summary

We design our program to reward financial performance and effective strategic leadership, key elements in building sustainable value for shareowners. We believe that the performance metrics used in our incentive plans align the interests of our shareowners and senior executives by correlating the timing and amount of actual pay to our short-, medium- and long-term performance. Our program requires ethical and responsible conduct in pursuit of these goals.

In addition, we carefully benchmark our executive compensation program against a relevant group of peer companies—all of which are potential competitors for the caliber of executive talent required to manage a complex, global and multi-industrial company like UTC.

Response to 2015 Say-on-Pay Vote

 

In this section, we discuss our compensation philosophy and describe the compensation program for our Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Executive Leadership Group (“ELG”). We explain how our Board’s Committee on Compensation and Executive Development (the “Committee”) determines compensation for our senior executives and its rationale for specific 2016 pay decisions. We also discuss the evolution of our program and how it is structured to advance its fundamental objective: aligning our executives’ compensation with the long-term interests of UTC shareowners.

Executive Summary

We design our program to reward financial performance and effective strategic leadership, key elements in building sustainable shareowner value. The performance metrics used in our incentive plans align the interests of our senior executives with our shareowners by correlating the timing and amount of actual payouts to our short-, medium- and long-term performance. Our program requires ethical and responsible conduct in pursuit of these goals.

In addition, we carefully benchmark our executive compensation program against a relevant group of peer companies—all of which are potential competitors for the caliber of executive talent required to manage a complex, global, multi-industry company like UTC.

RESPONSE TO 2016 SAY-ON-PAY VOTE

Each year, we consider the voting results of our Say-on-Pay proposal from the preceding year. In 2015, 95%2016, 96% of the votes submitted (excluding abstentions and broker non-votes) supported the Committee’s 20142015 executive compensation decisions, a result that slightly exceeded the 93%95% favorable vote we received in 2014.2015. We interpreted this result, along with our positive four-year voting trend, as an endorsement of our compensation program’s design and direction.96%
support

OUR 2016 SHAREOWNER OUTREACH EFFORTS

We actively seek and highly value feedback from shareowners and their advisors concerning our compensation program. During the year, senior management communicated directly with institutional investors holding approximately 300 million shares of UTC Common Stock.

ANALYSIS OF SHAREOWNER FEEDBACK

As it does each year, the Committee considered shareowner feedback in its ongoing assessment of our compensation program. This feedback, along with factors such as external market data and staff compensation recommendations, helped the Committee in its review of our program.

 

Our 2015 Outreach Program
28

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

2016 PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

Our senior leadership team continued its focus on innovation, execution, cost reduction and disciplined capital allocation. We believe these key priorities promote long-term, sustainable growth and contributed to the following 2016 financial, strategic and operational accomplishments:

PRATT & WHITNEY

•   Awarded a $1.5 billion contract by the U.S. Department ofDefense for the F135 propulsion systems that power allthree variants of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

•   The U.S. Air Force declared Initial Operational Capabilityfor the F-35A Lightning II, powered by Pratt & Whitney’sF135 engine.

•   Announced as engine provider for the U.S. Air Force’sB-21 Raider.

•   Entries into service of the Airbus A320neo andBombardier C Series aircraft and the first flight of theEmbraer E-Jet E2, all of which are powered by Pratt &Whitney’s PurePower GTF engines.

•   Received Federal Aviation Administration and EuropeanAviation Safety Agency certification of the Airbus A321neo,powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower GTF engines.

•   Increased total firm and option orders of the GTF engineto more than 8,000.

UTC CLIMATE, CONTROLS & SECURITY (“UTC CCS”)

•   Launched 132 new products during 2016, including thelatest generation of AquaForce chillers and heat pumps,which use a low Global Warming Potential refrigerant thatcan deliver up to 5% better efficiency and reducegreenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% as compared toconventional chillers and heat pumps.

•   Acquired a controlling interest in Riello Group S.p.A., aleader in heating products and services with operations inover 60 countries.

•   Significant contract wins in 2016 included:

Design and installation of security and extra low voltagesystems for the Lisboa Palace project, a resort inMacau, China.

Installation of security management, electronic accesscontrol, intrusion system and electric fence solutions toPowerlink Queensland, an Australian electricityinfrastructure provider.


OTIS

•   Launched a digital service strategy aimed at achieving amore efficient and responsive customer service model.

•   Increased engineering investment, enabling Otis to nearlydouble the number of products launched in 2016compared to 2015.

•   Introduced the next generation of the Gen2 elevator,which increases space and energy efficiency and makesgreater connectivity available through Otis service offerings.

•   Significant contract wins in 2016 included:

67 Otis elevators and escalators to be installed in theQian Hai International Financial Centre in Shenzhen,China, including 40 SkyRise and 11 Gen2 elevators.

67 Otis elevators and escalators, including the fastestSkyRise double-deck elevators in Europe, to besupplied to the Twentytwo Bishopsgate developmentin London, England.

UTC AEROSPACE SYSTEMS (“UTAS”)

•   Commenced development and production work forHawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330 and Boeing 717 and 767fleets, which will employ UTAS’ Electronic Flight Bagsystems that enhance functionality, safety andcybersecurity.

•   Began delivering new wheels and brakes for 475 U.S. AirForce F-15 aircraft. Through the use of UTAS’ proprietaryDURACARB carbon heat sink material, these new brakesare expected to provide four times longer life than conventional carbon brakes.

•   Entered into an agreement with Emirates Airlines toprovide inventory support, maintenance, repair andoverhaul of components and systems for its AirbusA380 fleet.

•   Demonstrated mission readiness of the MS-177 long-range imaging sensor systems by completing a series ofhigh-altitude flight demonstrations – performingsuccessfully in both land and maritime environments.


We actively seek and highly value feedback from shareowners and their advisors concerning our compensation program. Since our last
Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners senior management has communicated directly with institutional investors holding approximately 300 million shares of UTC Common Stock (“Common Stock”).

Analysis of Shareowner Feedback

As it does each year, the Committee considered shareowner feedback in its ongoing assessment of our compensation program. This feedback, along with factors such as external market data and staff compensation recommendations, helps the Committee in its review of our program.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners27Proxy Statement29
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

2015 PERFORMANCE

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

2016 FINANCIAL RESULTS*

UTC delivered solid financial performance in 2016, as evidenced by the 35% increase in diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) and the 5% increase in adjusted EPS, as well as the 2% growth in net sales from continuing operations, adjusted net sales and organic sales.

Additionally, we increased dividends paid per share to shareowners during the year by 2.3%, and returned $4.3 billion to shareowners through a combination of dividends and share repurchases.

 

During 2015, UTC implemented a significant business transformation, driven by
2016 was the $9 billion sale of Sikorsky Aircraft and the elimination of UTC Propulsion & Aerospace Systems (“UTC PAS”) and UTC Building & Industrial Systems (“UTC BIS”), as organizational layers within our management structure. UTC is now comprised of four distinct business units reporting directly 80th
consecutive year
we paid dividends
to the CEO, providing increased transparency and a more direct focus on operational performance (for an illustration of these structural changes, see page ii). We believe this simplified structure better positions us to deliver:shareowners

FLAWLESS PROGRAM
GAAP Financial MeasuresEFFECTIVE ALLOCATIONA CULTURE OF TRUST
EXECUTIONOF CAPITALAND ACCOUNTABILITY
                     Non-GAAP Financial Measures*
Net Sales by Business UnitAdjusted Net Sales by Business Unit
   

With this renewed focus, we successfully executed on a number of strategic and operational objectives during 2015 that we believe will position us for long-term, sustainable growth, including:

 

* See Appendix A on pages 87-88 for additional information regarding these non-GAAP financial measures.

30
Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower PW1000G engine with Geared Turbofan (“GTF”) technology obtained FAA and EASA certification in 2015 and entered into service with Lufthansa Airlines in early 2016. The GTF is a revolutionary engine that decreases fuel burn by 16%, noise by 75% and air pollutant emissions by 50%. With approximately 7,000 orders to-date (including options), this entry into service is a significant operational accomplishment, which is expected to provide us with revenue streams for decades.
 
UTC Aerospace Systems supplies the electric power, air supply, landing and fuel sensing systems for Boeing’s KC-46A tanker, which made its first flight in 2015. We also supply the engine controls, fuel metering unit and other accessories for the tanker’s Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engines.
Sale of our Sikorsky Aircraft business unit, which we executed on an accelerated basis, allowing greater focus on our core businesses and future growth potential.
Otis received orders for significant key projects in China–examples include 133 elevators and escalators to be provided to the Chengdu Metro Line and a contract to supply 174 elevators and escalators to a new landmark commercial building in Ningbo, East China.
UTC CCS won its largest retrofit contract to date for the CP Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Otis was selected to provide elevators and escalators with leading energy-efficient technologies to the landmark New York City Hudson Yards development project.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

SHAREOWNER VALUE CREATION

The Committee believes that long-term incentives should correlate directly with the creation of long-term shareowner value. This correlation is a fundamental component of our Guiding Principles (as discussed on page 34). We believe our ability to generate strong TSR over long-term periods has been, in part, driven by the design of our executive compensation program. This can be seen in UTC’s 8.3% annualized TSR over the ten-year period ending on December 31, 2016, which exceeded the returns of the Dow Jones Industrial Average (7.5%), the S&P 500 Index (6.9%) and the companies within our Compensation Peer Group (“CPG”) (6.8%). The following chart illustrates UTC’s performance compared to the CPG and these major market indices over varying time periods.

TOTAL SHAREOWNER RETURN: UTC COMPARISONS*

*TSR values are provided by S&P Capital IQ, and are calculated on an annualized basis as of December 31, 2016. The CPG composite returns are calculated for each peer company, and then a weighted average is applied based on each company’s market capitalization at the beginning of the measurement period.

 

Notwithstanding these strategic
Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and operational accomplishments, significant investments in the GTF engine, adverse foreign exchange rates and slowed growth in China contributed to a decrease in adjusted net income and diluted EPS for continuing operations, as shown in the charts on the following page.

Despite these near-term pressures, UTC increased dividends paid to shareowners by 8.5% in 2015. This represents the 79thconsecutive year in which UTC has paid dividends. Consistent with our disciplined capital allocation strategy, we also returned $12 billion to shareowners through dividends and share repurchases (including a $6 billion accelerated share buyback program announced in November 2015). In addition, we initiated a $1.5 billion multi-year structural cost reduction plan. These actions are intended to contribute to long-term sustainable growth while responding to near-term economic and financial challenges.

28Proxy Statement31
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Adjusted Net Sales(1)Adjusted Diluted EPS(1)Free Cash Flow(2)Adjusted Net Income(1)
(in billions)(in billions)(in billions)

(1)Reflects continuing operations, adjusted to exclude restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items. A reconciliation to these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure for each of the three years shown is set forth in Appendix B on page 86.
(2)Reflects continuing operations.

SHAREOWNER VALUE CREATION

The Committee believes that long-term incentives should correlate directly with the creation of long-term shareowner value. This correlation is a fundamental component of our Guiding Principles, as discussed on page 33. We believe our ability to generate strong TSR over long-term periods has been, in part, driven by the design of our executive compensation program. This can be seen in UTC’s 7.9% annualized TSR over the ten-year period ending on December 31, 2015, which exceeded the Dow Jones Industrial Average (7.7%), the S&P 500 (7.3%) and our Compensation Peer Group (6.9%) (our (“CPG”) is detailed on page 35). Our Board of Directors and senior management are strongly committed to positioning UTC for long-term sustainable growth even while facing near-term earning headwinds, which have adversely affected TSR over shorter time periods relative to peers. The following chart illustrates UTC’s performance relative to differing comparator groups and time periods.

TOTAL SHAREOWNER RETURN: UTC VS. PEER GROUPS*

*TSR values are provided by S&P Capital IQ and are calculated on an annualized basis as of December 31, 2015. For the CPG composite values, returns are calculated for each peer company and then a weighted average is calculated based on each company’s market capitalization at the beginning of the measurement period.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners29

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

For our CEO and other NEOs, the Committee’s 2015 compensation decisions, as described in detail on pages 50 to 54, recognize both the near-term results and the strategic and operational accomplishments previously discussed in this section.

CEO PAY OVERVIEW

 

Mr. Hayes’ 20152016 total direct compensation as defined on page 47, decreased by 1.8%increased from $10.93$10.82 million in 20142015 to $10.73$14.97 million in 2015.2016. This decreaseincrease was primarilypartially driven by the decreaseincrease in the Company’s annual bonus financial performance factor from 112%39% of target in 20142015 to 39%120% in 2015.2016. This performance resulted in the Committee approving an $850,000a $3 million annual bonus for Mr. Hayes, an amount which substantiallyclosely aligned with this financial performance factor, but was belowfactor.

The Committee also increased Mr. Hayes’ base salary during the year from $1.3 to $1.5 million to better align his base salary with the CPG median.

 

The Committee favorably assessed Mr. Hayes’ 20152016 performance (discussed in detail on page 50)54). Based on this assessment, the Committee increased Mr. Hayes’ 20162017 long-term incentive grantaward to $8.58$10.47 million. While this amount was greater than the $8.03$8.67 million grant awardedaward granted to Mr. Hayes in 2015,2016, his 20162017 grant value wasremains below the CPG median, reflecting Mr. Hayes’ briefhis short tenure as CEO.

 

CEO TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION(1)

 

 

(1)The elements of total direct compensation are described in detail on page 4750 of this Proxy Statement. 2013 total direct compensation reflects the Committee’s pay decisions with respect to Mr. Hayes’ former role as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.
  
(2)GrantThe grant date fair value of Mr. Hayes’ January 4, 20163, 2017 LTI award, calculated in accordance with the Compensation—Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, but excluding the effects of estimated forfeitures. This grant consists of 264,000151,000 SARs, 50,500 PSUs and 53,000 PSUs,20,500 RSUs, and is based on the $95.57$110.83 NYSE closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on the date of grant.

 

3032
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Our Core Executive Compensation Practices

 

WeThe Committee continually monitormonitors the evolution of best compensation practices and makehas made a number of program changes to our programs asover the years, when necessary, to ensure sound corporate governance. Some of theour most important practices incorporated into our programand policies include:

 

What We DoWhat We Don’t Do

Review of  Align Pay Versusand Performance.The Committee continually reviews the relationship between CEO compensation and Company performance, as detailed on pages 4649 to 49.53.  

Median Compensation Targets.Each of the principal elements of compensation (as discussed(discussed on page 36) for our executives37) is targeted at the median of market.

Rigorous and Diversified Performance Metrics. The Committee annually reviews performance goals for our annual and long-term incentive awardsprograms to confirmensure that we are usinguse diversified metrics with rigorous but attainable targets. Beginning with the 2016 LTI grant, the addition of ROIC willto our PSUs further diversifydiversifies the performance metrics used for PSU awards.we use.  

Clawback of Compensation.We continue to monitor our clawback policy on an ongoing basis and make enhancements as necessary. In this regard, weappropriate. We have made revisions twice since 2011 to further strengthen ourthis policy.

Substantial Share Ownership Guidelines.

  Annual Review of Compensation ConsultantIndependence.The Committee annually reviews the independence of its compensation consultant, consistent with SEC and NYSE rules.  

  Restrictive Covenants.Our share ownership requirementsELG members are robust: 6x base salary  for the CEO; 3x base salary for other members of the  ELG (including our other NEOs);subject to multiple restrictive covenants upon separation, including non-compete, non-solicitation and 5x the base annual cash retainer for non-employee directors.non-disclosure obligations.

No Pledging of Shares. Our directors and executive officers are not permitted to pledge UTC shares as collateral for loans or for any other purpose.

 

No   Hedging.UTC does not allow directors andor executive officers to enter into short sales of UTC Common Stock or similar transactions where potential gains are linked to a decline in the price of our shares.

No

   Repricing.Stock option and SAR exercise prices are set at the grant date market price and may not be reduced or replaced with stock options or SARs with a lower exercise price without shareowner approval (except to adjust for stock splits or similar transactions).

Use of Double Triggers. Change-in-control severance arrangements, for which only pre-2009 ELG appointees are eligible, as well as the accelerated vesting terms under the UTC Long-Term Incentive Plan, both have a double trigger. This means that a change-in-control will not automatically entitle an executive to severance benefits or equity acceleration;  the executive must also lose his or her job or suffer a significant adverse change to employment terms and  conditions.

Annual Review of Compensation Consultant Independence. On an annual basis, the Committee reviews the independence of its compensation consultant, as required by SEC and NYSE rules. 

 

 

Proxy Statement

   Pledging of Shares.Our directors and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners

31

executive officers are not permitted to pledge UTC shares as collateral for loans or for any other purpose.  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

No

   Cash Buyouts of Underwater Stock Options orSARs.UTC does not allow buyouts of underwater stock options or SARs under any circumstance. Award recipientsExecutives may not sell, assign or transfer their interest in any long-term incentive award (including underwater stock options andor SARs) to a third party in exchange for cash or other consideration.

Market-Competitive Retirement Programs. We eliminated defined benefit pensions for executives hired on or after January 1, 2010. Also, for executives hired before that date, we discontinued the use of a traditional final average earnings pension formula on December 31, 2014 and replaced it with a cash balance formula.

No Perquisite Allowances. Cash perquisite allowances have been eliminated for all ELG members.

No   Employment Contracts.The Committee does not believe fixed-term executive employment contracts that guarantee minimum levels of compensation over multiple years enhance shareowner value. Accordingly, none of our U.S. executives do not have employment contracts. Non-U.S. executives may have contracts except in instances where it is required by practiceconsistent with local regulations or regulation outsidepractices.  

Notice of the U.S.

Restrictive Covenants. Our ELG members are subject to various restrictive covenants upon separation from UTC, including non-compete, non-solicitation2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and non-disclosure obligations.

Proxy Statement
33
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

What We Do

Elimination   Use of Supplemental ELG Life Insurance.ELG members appointed onDouble Triggers.We have a double trigger for the accelerated vesting provisions under the UTC Long-Term Incentive Plan and the legacy Senior Executive Severance Plan, for which Mr. Hayes is the only NEO eligible. This means that a change-in-control will not automatically entitle an executive to severance benefits or after January 31, 2015 no longer receive an ELG life insurance benefit.equity acceleration; instead, the executive must also lose his or her job, or suffer a significant adverse change to employment terms and conditions.

Limitations on Personal Use of Aircraft. In 2015, UTC adopted an aircraft policy that limitsWe limit the CEO’s personal use of the Corporate aircraft to 50 hours annually. No other employees may use the CompanyCorporate aircraft for personal reasons.

Elimination of Cash Severance. We eliminated the 2.5x base salary ELG cash severance arrangement for ELG members appointed on or after May 2013. Instead, ELG RSU awards will vest for these ELG members upon mutually agreeable separation with three years of ELG service, regardless of age at separation.

Review of Compensation Peer Group. Our CPG is reviewed periodically byThe Committee frequently reviews the Committeecomposition of our peer group and adjusted,makes adjustments, when necessary, to maintain a relevant and appropriate group for comparison withof peers to benchmark our executive compensation program.

Review of Committee Charter.The Committee reviews its charter regularlyannually to maintain strongeffective oversight and governance practices.

 

32

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

How We Make Compensation Decisions

 

OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

 

The Committee believes that executive compensation opportunities must align with and enhance long-term shareowner value. This core philosophy is embedded in all aspects of our executive compensation program and is reflected in an important set of guiding principles. We believe that the application of these principles enables us to create a meaningful link between the compensation paid to our executives and long-term, sustainable growth for our shareowners and compensation outcomes.shareowners.

 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES   
     
RESPONSIBILITY   COMPETITIVENESS  
Compensation should take into account each executive’s responsibility to act in accordance with our ethical, environmental, health and safety objectives at all times. Financial, strategic and operatingoperational performance must not compromise these values. A complete commitment to ethical and corporate responsibility is a fundamental principle incorporated into all aspects of our compensation program. Total compensation should be sufficiently competitive to attract, retain and motivate a leadership team capable of maximizing UTC’s performance. Each element should be benchmarked relative to peers.

PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE   BALANCE  
A substantial portion of compensation should be variable, contingent on and directly linked to individual, Company and business unit performance. The portion of total compensation contingent on performance should increase with an executive’s level of responsibility. Annual and long-term incentive compensation opportunities should reward the appropriate balance of short- and long-term financial, strategic and operational business results.

LONG-TERM FOCUS   SHAREOWNER ALIGNMENT  
For our most senior executives, long-term, stock-based compensation opportunities should significantly outweigh short-term, cash-based opportunities. Annual objectives should complement sustainable, long-term performance. The financial interests of executives should be aligned with the long-term interests of our shareowners through stock-based compensation and performance metrics that correlate with long-term shareowner value.

34

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE ON COMPENSATION AND EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT

 

The Committee, which currently consists of seven independent directors, is responsible for overseeing the development and administration of our executive compensation program.

 

Responsibilities.The Committee makes all compensation decisions concerning our CEO and the other ELG members, of our Executive Leadership Group (“ELG”), subject to the review byof the other independent directors. The ELG is made up of approximately 25 to 30 of our most senior executives, including the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”)NEOs listed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 5760 of this Proxy Statement.

 

The Committee’s other responsibilities include:

 

àReviewing executive compensation plans and programs;
  
àConsidering input from UTC’s shareowners regarding executive compensation decisions and policies;
  
àReviewing and approving incentive plan targets and objectives;

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners33

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 à
Assessing the Company and each ELG member’s performance relative to these targets and objectives;
  
àEvaluating the competitiveness of each ELG member’s total compensation package; and
  
àApproving changes to compensation elementschanges for ELG members, including base salary, and annual bonus and long-term incentive opportunities and awards.

 

The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, along with UTC’s Human Resources staff and an independent compensation consultant, assist the Committee with these tasks.

 

The Committee’s charter, which sets out the Committee’s full responsibilities, can be found on our website at:
athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-we-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspx
.default.aspx.

 

Performance Evaluation Process.The Committee has established a process for evaluating the performance of the Company, the President and CEO and the other ELG members.members of the ELG. At its first meeting everyeach year, the Committee reviews and approves financial, strategic and operational objectives both for the upcoming year. Following the end of the year, and for a longer-term period. At this meeting, the Committee also evaluates the CEO’s and other ELG members’ performance for the previous year.

The Committee uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative factors to conduct a broad and balanced assessment of performance relative to both internal and external measures.these objectives, which it then uses as the basis for compensation decisions.

 

ROLE OF THE CEO

 

Our CEO has no role in the Committee’s determination of his compensation. For the otherELG members, of the ELG, including the NEOs, the CEO presents the Committee with recommendations for each principal element of compensation. He bases theseThese recommendations are based upon his assessment of each individual’sexecutive’s performance, the performance of each executive’stheir applicable business unit and/or function, benchmark information and retention risk. The Committee reviews the CEO’s recommendations and makes appropriate adjustments and approves compensation changes at its discretion,as it deems appropriate. Its decisions are subject to the review byof the other independent directors. The CEO does not have any role in the Committee’s determination of his own compensation.

 

ROLE OF THE COMPENSATION CONSULTANT

 

The Committee retained Pearl Meyer & Partners (“Pearl Meyer”) to serve as its executive compensation consultant for 2015. While2016. Pearl Meyer may make recommendations on the form and amount of compensation, but the Committee makes all decisions regarding the compensation of our NEOs and other ELG members.

 

During 2015,2016, Pearl Meyer advised the Committee on a variety of subjects, including compensation plan design and trends, pay-for-performance analytics, benchmarking normsdata and other similarrelated matters. Pearl Meyer reports directly to the Committee, participates in meetings as requested and communicates with the Committee Chair between meetings as necessary. A Pearl Meyer representative attended four meetings in person in 2015.2016.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement35

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Prior to engaging Pearl Meyer, the Committee reviewed the firm’s qualifications, as well as its independence and any potential conflicts of interest. Pearl Meyer does not perform other services for or receive other fees from UTC other(other than an incidental amounts (less than $9,000amount of $10,100 in 2015)2016 related to participation in certain business-related surveys.surveys). The Committee therefore made the determinationdetermined that Pearl Meyer qualified as an independent consultant.consultant in 2016. The Committee has the sole authority to modify or approve Pearl Meyer’s compensation, determine the nature and scope of its services, evaluate its performance, terminate the engagement, and hire a replacement or additional consultant at any time.

 

The Committee also utilizes market data provided byfrom other compensation consulting firms, such as Willis Towers Watson and Aon Hewitt, for benchmarking and other purposes. ThisHowever, this benchmark data consists of information that is generally available to other Willis Towers Watson and Aon Hewitt clients. Neither firm made recommendations to the Committee or management on peer group composition or on the form, amount or design of executive compensation in 2015.2016.

34

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

OUR COMPENSATION PEER GROUP

 

We compare our executive compensation program to programsthose at the 2624 companies that make up our Compensation Peer Group (“CPG”). The CPG’s composition reflects a mix of both industry and non-industry peers that the Committee believes thatviews as competitors for senior executive talent. Like UTC, 12 of these 24 companies provide a relevant comparison based on their similarity to UTC in size and complexity, takingare Dow Jones Industrial Average components. In determining the most appropriate peer group composition, the Committee takes into account factors such as revenue, market capitalization, global scope of operations, manufacturing footprint, research & development activities and diversified product portfolios. Like UTC, 11In its 2016 review, the Committee removed four companies (Danaher, FedEx, Hewlett-Packard and Siemens) and added Cisco Systems and General Motors Corporation to the peer group. The Committee believes these changes provide a more relevant comparison based on the similarity of these 26 companies are Dow Jones Industrial Average components.to UTC in size and operational complexity. The CPG is constructed to serve the specific purpose of benchmarking executive compensation. We do not use the relative financial performance of the CPG as a performance metric infor our incentive compensation awards. The CPG’s composition reflects a mix of both industry and non-industry peers that we view as realistic competitors for senior executive talent.

We also use other Fortune 100 companies and data from a broader range of companies for insight on general compensation trends and to supplement CPG data when appropriate.

 

THE COMPENSATION PEER GROUP
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES:

OUR COMPENSATION PEER GROUP

AEROSPACEINCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES:

Aerospace &   CONSUMERConsumer
DEFENSEDefense CHEMICALSChemicals PACKAGED GOODSPackaged Goods
BoeingNorthropDuPontJohnson & Johnson
GeneralGrummanDowProcter & Gamble
DynamicsRaytheon     
Boeing

General
Dynamics

Lockheed
Martin
Northrop
Grumman

Raytheon
DuPont

Dow Chemical
Johnson & Johnson

Procter & Gamble
DiversifiedEquipment &  
IndustrialsMachineryAutomotive
     
MartinGeneral
Electric
Honeywell3M
Caterpillar

Deere

Eaton
Emerson
Electric

Johnson
Controls
General Motors
Oil & GasPharmaceuticalsTechnology/
Communications
     
Chevron PfizerAT&T

Cisco
IBM
Verizon


        
 

PEER GROUP DATA*

  Net Sales
(in millions)
  Market
Capitalization
(in millions)
  Employees 
25thPercentile  $29,243   $49,539   68,675 
50thPercentile  $47,703   $80,373   97,900 
75thPercentile  $83,582   $202,228   145,625 
UTC  $57,244   $90,262   202,000 
UTC Rank  62%   53%   87% 
  
DIVERSIFIEDEQUIPMENT &
INDUSTRIALSMACHINERYLOGISTICS
DanaherHoneywell3MEmersonFedEx
GeneralSiemensCaterpillarElectric
ElectricDeereJohnson
EatonControls
TECHNOLOGY/
OIL & GASPHARMACEUTICALSCOMMUNICATIONS
ChevronPfizerAT&TIBM
HPVerizon

Companies inBluerepresent Dow Jones Industrial Average components.

PEER GROUP DATA(1)

     Market   
  Revenue Capitalization   
  (in millions) (in millions) Employees 
25thPercentile  $26,996   $34,164   71,112 
50thPercentile  $38,581   $58,054   107,850 
75thPercentile  $59,463   $133,507   155,800 
UTC  $56,450(2)  $80,540   197,180 
UTC Rank  74%  63%   83% 

(1)*Peer company data is provided by S&P Capital IQ. RevenueNet sales and employee data reflect the most recent publicly available information (as of February 19, 2016)17, 2017). In certain cases, S&P Capital IQ has made adjustments to revenue to reflect non-operating income or expense, equityNet sales are based on continuing operations, as reported, in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, interest income, and non-recurring special items such as discontinued operations or gains on the sale of securities.accordance with U.S. GAAP financial reporting standards. Market capitalization for peer companies is calculated based on publicly available shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015.
(2)UTC revenue is adjusted for discontinued operations, restructuring and other significant, defined non-operational items. For a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP see Appendix B on page 86.2016.


Companies inBlue are Dow Jones Industrial Average components.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners3635
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

HOW WE BENCHMARK OUR COMPENSATION

 

To ensure that ourmaintain a sufficiently competitive executive compensation program, is sufficiently competitive, the Committee believes that the target value of each UTCprincipal element of compensation element(defined below) should generally be targeted to align withapproximate the market benchmarks. Therefore, UTC targets base salary, annual bonus and long-term incentive awards at the median of the CPG. We supplement Fortune 100 and general industry data for benchmarking purposes when CPG data is not sufficient or available.

All compensation targets are aligned with the market median.

median. The Committee annually evaluates each compensation element of our executive population’s compensation relative to the market. Individualmarket data for each ELG member’s role and makes adjustments as necessary. However, individual compensation variesmay vary from market median benchmarks based on the Committee’s assessment of Company, business unit/function and individual performance, job scope, retention risk, tenure and other factors that it determines areto be relevant to its evaluation.

Target compensation approximates the market median

The Committee also uses the CPG to benchmark the overall design and structure of our program. Data from a broader range of companies, including the Fortune 100, are utilized for insight into general compensation trends and to supplement CPG data when necessary and appropriate.

 

Our Principal Elements of Compensation

 

The following table summarizes the principal elements of our executive compensation program for 2015.2016. The Committee structures these elements to promote and reward superior financial performance through a variety of performance metrics and time horizons.

 

  Elements(1)Time Horizon (in years) Performance Metrics Purpose
 Base Salary n None Attract and retain
Annual Bonus nAnnual Bonus nEarnings(1)(2)
Free cash flow to net income ratio(2) Drive near-term performance goals
    Free cash flow to net income ratioIndividual achievement
Performance Share UnitsnnnAdjusted earnings per share(1)(2)  
    Individual achievement
Performance Share UnitsReturn on invested capital(2)nnnEarnings per share(1) Drive medium-term performance goals
    Total Shareowner Returnshareowner return vs. S&P 500  
Stock Appreciation Rights nnnnnnnnnn Share price appreciation Drive long-term performance goals

(1)Financial performance measures are subject to adjustments by the CommitteeBeginning in certain circumstances. 2017, RSUs comprise 20% of ELG members’ total annual LTI awards, as discussed in more detail on page 42.
(2)Refer to Appendix B on page 5589 for more details on how these metrics are calculated.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement37
 
(2)Beginning in 2016, PSUs will include a return on invested capital (“ROIC”) metric, as discussed in more detail on page iv.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

EMPHASIS ON “AT RISK” COMPENSATION

 

“AtThe vast majority of compensation for our CEO and other NEOs is “at risk” compensation–compensation, meaning pay thatit is directly contingent on performance–made up 87%performance. At risk compensation consists of our CEO’s and 88% of our other NEOs’ compensation for 2015 (based on the base salary, annual bonus and long-term incentives disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 57). Annual bonus and long-term incentive awards that are subject to the achievement of pre-established performance targets and link to shareowner value.goals or stock performance. Although base salary and other fixed elements of compensation are essential to any executive compensation program and necessary for the recruitment and retention of top talent, we believe that “at risk”the Committee believes at risk compensation for our most senior executives should significantly outweigh their base salaries. The Committee’s 2015 compensation decisions reflect this philosophy.

36

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

The following charts show the basic pay mix for our CEO and the other NEOs for 2015 and illustrateis shown in the significant portion of compensation that is “at risk.”

PAY MIX

 charts below, reflecting the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table on page 60.

 

CEO*Other NEOs*
*Charts reflect the value for theof base salary andsalaries, annual bonus and long-term incentive awards, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table on page 57.60. The Other NEOs chart excludes Mr. Bellemare who retired effective January 31, 2015.the CEO.

 

BASE SALARY

 

To help UTC attract and retain talented and qualified executives, we provide competitive base salaries, targetedwhich we target at either the CPG median or a blend of the CPG and Fortune 100 medians, as appropriate.market median. Base salary constitutes a significant portion of our NEOs’ fixed compensation (which also includes pensionretirement and other benefits such as health, life and disability insurance)benefits). Each year, the Committee reviews the CEO’s recommendations from the CEO regardingfor base salary adjustments for ELG members.members relative to market data of peers in similar roles at other companies. The Committee has complete discretion to modify or approve thesethe CEO’s recommendations. The CEO has no input into, and does not participate in, the Committee’s determination of his own base salary. Actual salaries will vary from the CPG and market mediansmedian based on factors such as job scope and responsibilities, experience, tenure, individual performance, retention risk and internal pay equity.

 

38

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

ANNUAL BONUS

 

OverviewOur Objectives

The Committee believes its methodology for determining annual bonus awards accomplishes the following objectives:

Sets financial performance goals that are consistent with the Committee’s assessment of the opportunities and risks for the upcoming year, as communicated to our investors;
Establishes challenging but achievable performance goals for our executives;
Provides incentive opportunities that are market competitive; and
Allows the Committee to make discretionary adjustments if it determines that actual performance does not fully align with measured performance.

Our Process

 

Our NEOs’ 20152016 annual bonus awards were determined through the following process:

 

   
       

Target Annual Bonus is basedBased on market benchmarks and expressed as a % of base salary:

CEO                                   165%

EVP & CFO                        100%

Business Unit Presidents   100%

 

UTC and Business Unit Financial Performance Factor:Factors:

Individual Performance Factor:Award Delivery:
on market benchmarks:

•  Earnings* vs. pre-established targets(weighted at 60%);targets; plus

•  Free Cash Flow*cash flow as a percentage% of Net Income(weighted at 40%)net income*; and

•  Discretionary adjustments by the Committee.

 

Individual Performance Factor:

Discretionary adjustments based on individual performance relative to 2015financial, strategic financial and operational goals.

 Awards for 2015

Award Approval and Delivery:

Following the end of the performance period, awards are approved by the Committee at its first meeting of the year and subsequently delivered into executives during the first quarter of 2016. These amounts are displayed under the “Bonus” column in the Summary Compensation Table.

President and CEO165%
President & CEO, UTC BIS110%
EVP & CFO100%
President, Pratt & Whitney95%
EVP & General Counsel85%quarter.

 

*EarningsUnder the UTC Annual Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, earnings and the ratio of free cash flow to net income underused to calculate the UTC Annual Executive Incentive Compensation Planfinancial performance factors are determined separately for UTC and oureach business units, as detailedunit, and are defined in Appendix B on page 38.89.

 

How We Set Annual Bonus Target Levels

The Committee approves annual bonus target levels for ELG members based on market data relevant to each individual’s role. Target levels are expressed as a percentage of base salary and generally approximate the market median. Actual awards are based on the achievement of financial and individual performance goals, as assessed by the Committee.

2016 Changes.During its annual review, the Committee increased the target annual bonus percentage from 95% to 100% of base salary for the business unit presidents to better align their bonus opportunities with the market.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 20162017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement3739
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

How We Determine Target Annual Bonus LevelsFinancial Performance Metrics

 

The Committee approvesestablishes annual performance goals for two financial metrics: earnings and the ratio of free cash flow to net income (“FCF / NI”). Threshold, target annual bonus leveland maximum goal levels are set for each position held by ELG members. These target levels are expressed as a percentage of base salary and vary among executives based on specific roles and responsibilities within the organization. While target award levels generally reflect values that approximate the CPG and Fortune 100 medians, actual award payouts are based on financial and individual performance factors, as assessed by the Committee.

As part of its annual review of executive compensation, the Committee determines if any adjustments to annual bonus target percentages are appropriate.

How We Determine Financial Performance Factors

To determine the financial performance factors for the Company and each of its business units, the Committee measures performance annually relative to two pre-established financial metrics:

Earnings. For the Company, the earnings goal is an adjusted net income goal that the Committee sets to align with the performance expectations the Company communicates externally to investors for the year. For our business units, the earnings goal is defined as growth in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes and is based on each business unit’s anticipated opportunities and challenges for the upcoming year. For a definition of how we calculate earnings for UTC and our business units, refer to page 55.
Free Cash Flow to Net Income (“FCF / NI”) Ratio. For the Company, this ratio is set to generally align with the performance expectations communicated to investors for the year. A target FCF / NI ratio is also established for each business unit based on its strategic business plan for the year and contributes to the overall goal set for the Company. The Committee believes that cash flow performance is a relevant measure of the overall quality and sustainability of earnings. For the definition of how we calculate the ratio of FCF / NI for both UTC and our business units, refer to page 55 of this Proxy Statement.

metric. Performance relative to these targetspre-established goals determines the financial performance factors for UTC and each business unit. The Committee reviews these financial performance factors and may, if appropriate, makesmake adjustments to thesethe calculated factorsresults (see “Use“Committee’s Use of Committee’s Discretion in Annual Bonus Awards” on page 39)42).

 

Each executive’s target annual bonus value (base salary x target bonus percentage) is multiplied by his or her applicable financial performance factor. Aggregated, these amounts generate separate award pools for UTC and each business unit that are then allocated among eligible executives based on individual performance. See page 39 for details on the individual performance factor.

Metric Weighting.The metrics and weightings used to determinecalculate the UTC and business unit financial performance factors are shown in the charts below. The UTC financial performance factor determines the annual bonus pool for 2015Corporate Office executives, while a blend of the UTC and business unit financial performance factors are as follows:

 used for business unit executives.

 

(1)UTC*Refer to page 55 to see how we calculate earnings and the ratio of FCF / NI for UTC and business unit executives.Business Units*
  
(2)The 40% consists of UTC Earnings weighted at 24%
*Refer to Appendix B on page 89 for a definition on how we calculate earnings and UTC FCF / NI weighted at 16%.for the purposes of determining the UTC and business units’ financial performance factors.

 

Payout Ranges.There are no payouts for below threshold-level performance. Payouts begin at 50% of target for threshold-level performance and are capped at 200% for maximum-level performance. In 2016, however, the Committee set the maximum payout level for the UTC FCF / NI metric at 150% of target.

Earnings Goals for 2016

UTC Earnings.The UTC earnings metric is an adjusted net income goal set by the Committee to align with the performance expectations communicated to investors for the year. Net income includes the impact of items such as tax, interest and foreign exchange fluctuations, which are managed at the Corporate level and relevant to the assessment of UTC performance. The Committee therefore believes that adjusted net income is an appropriate metric for determining the UTC financial performance factor. For 2016, the Committee set a $5.35 billion adjusted net income goal for the Corporation, an amount which corresponds to adjusted EPS of $6.48 and within the range communicated to investors in December 2015.

Business Unit Earnings.The Committee believes operating earnings growth, exclusive of tax, interest and foreign exchange exposure, should be the focus of business unit performance. For this reason, the Committee uses growth in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (“EBIT”) at constant currency for the business units. For 2016, the Committee approved individual EBIT goals for each business unit ranging from -3% to 6%, with each goal reflecting the anticipated opportunities and challenges for the upcoming year.

2016 Earnings Results and Factors.The Company reported 2016 net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners of $5.07 billion. Net income was then adjusted for restructuring, non-recurring and other significant non-operational items. The Committee made these adjustments to maintain the validity of the goal as originally formulated. Following these adjustments, net income of $5.46 billion was used to determine the UTC financial

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

The Committee believes this methodology for arriving at the financial performance factors accomplishes the following objectives:

Aligns incentives with our annual strategic business plan;
Establishes challenging but achievable bonus targets for our executives; and
Sets targets that are consistent with the Committee’s assessment of opportunities and risks for the upcoming year, as communicated to our investors.

How We Determined the Financial Performance Factors for 2015

Earnings. The 2015 expected EPS range we communicated to investors in January 2015 was $6.85 to $7.05, which resulted in the Committee setting a $6.282 billion net income target for the 2015 annual bonus awards, an amount which corresponded to EPS of $7.00. The Committee also approved specific earnings growth goals for each business unit ranging from -10% to +10%, which reflected the Committee’s assessment of each business unit’s external market conditions and the specific challenges and opportunities anticipated for 2015.
Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio. For 2015, the Committee approved a FCF / NI goal of 100% for the Company and each of the business units.

2015 Results.The Company reported 2015 net income attributable to common shareowners of $7.608 billion. Because this amount included a gain realized from the sale of Sikorsky Aircraft and that gain would have substantially increased annual bonus payouts, the Committee decided to measure net income based on continuing operations, which excluded Sikorsky Aircraft. The Committee also adjusted for the impact of restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items. After these adjustments, which the Committee believed were necessary to preserve the integrity of the original bonus targets, adjusted net income of $5.563 billion was utilized to determine the annual bonus financial performance factor, for the Company. This net income result generatedresulting in a 0%127% payout factor for the UTC earnings portion of the annual bonus award. The vesting of the earnings portion of the awardaward. Business unit earnings resulted in payout factors ranging from 50% to 98% of target. In 2016, the net tax, interest and foreign exchange impacts were more favorable than the plan used to set the UTC earnings goal, resulting in a positive impact on the UTC financial performance factor.

UTC Earnings Goal* (adjusted net income) Threshold Target Maximum Actual
Performance level $4.82 billion $5.35 billion $5.75 billion $5.46 billion
Payout factor (as a % of target) 50% 100% 200% 127%

FCF / NI Goals for our2016

UTC FCF / NI.The UTC FCF / NI goal is also set to generally align with the performance expectations communicated to investors for the year. The Committee uses this metric because it believes that cash flow performance is a relevant measure of the overall quality and sustainability of earnings. For 2016, the Committee approved a UTC FCF / NI goal of 90%.

Business Unit FCF / NI.FCF / NI goals are also established for each business unitsunit based on its strategic business plan for the year. The overall goal set for UTC incorporates the goals for each of the business units. For 2016, business unit FCF / NI goals ranged from 0%90% to 112%105%. Refer to Appendix B on page 86 for a detailed reconciliation of this adjusted net income measure to U.S. GAAP.

 

20152016 FCF / NI Results and Factors.UTC’s 2016 free cash flow from continuing operations was 126%93% of net income. AdjustmentsFor purposes of determining financial performance factors for annual bonus purposesthe Company and each of the business units, the calculated results were madeadjusted for the impact of certain restructuring, and non-operational gains and a non-recurring chargecharges, and other significant items unrelated to operational performance. Following these adjustments, 99% was used to calculate the UTC financial performance that predated the performance measurement period. This resultedfactor, resulting in a 99%108% payout factor for the FCF / NI ratio vesting factor forportion of the Company. Theaward. Calculated business unit payout factors related to FCF / NI ratio for our business units ranged from 69%42% to 106%129% for the year.

 

UTC FCF / NI Goal* Threshold Target Maximum Actual
Performance level 50% 90% 150% 99%
Payout factor (as a % of target) 50% 100% 150% 108%

In combination, the Company generated an overall

Overall Financial Performance Factors for 2016.The weighted earnings and FCF / NI payout factors resulted in a blended UTC financial performance factor of 39%120% of target. The blendedAfter incorporating the UTC factor, the combined financial performance factors for our business units ranged from 34%76% to 73%110% of target.

 

Pool Determination.Pools are calculated by multiplying each executive’s annual bonus target value (base salary x target bonus percentage) by the applicable financial performance factor. These amounts are aggregated to determine award pools for the Corporate Office and each business unit and are subsequently allocated among eligible executives based on individual performance.

Individual Performance FactorFactors

 

Our NEOs also begin the year with individual financial, strategic and operational and/or financial objectives. Based on ourthe CEO’s assessment of theeach NEO’s performance, of each NEO, he may recommend that the Committee make a discretionary adjustment to increase or decrease the annual bonus determined bycalculated using the NEO’s relevant financial performance factor. The Committee considers these recommendations and makes adjustments as it deems appropriate. Mr. Hayes playshas no role in the Committee’s determination of his own annual bonus.

 

*Refer to Appendix B on page 89 for a definition on how we calculate earnings and FCF / NI for the purposes of determining the UTC and business units’ financial performance factors.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement41

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Committee’s Use of Committee’s Discretion in Annual Bonus Awards

 

The Committee sets annual bonus targetsprogram is designed to closely align individual payouts with the objective of offering payout opportunities that align with Company, business unit and individualactual performance. TheHowever, the Committee retains the authority to make upward or downward adjustments if it determines that Company, business unit, and/or individual performance relative to pre-established targets doesresults do not accurately reflect the overall quality of performance for the year. While the achievement of financial metricsperformance goals remain the primary basis for determining actual annual bonus amounts, the Committee has made positive and negative discretionary adjustments in the past to both financial performance factors and individual performance factors. Examples of situations that could result in a positive or negativediscretionary adjustment include:

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners39

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Material, unforeseen circumstances beyond management’s control that have a positive or negative effect onaffected financial performance results relative to the established targets orgoals, including certain non-recurring charges or credits unrelated to measuredoperating performance;
  
Tax or accounting rule adjustments whichthat positively or negatively impact performance;
  
Changes to the Company’s capital structure;
  
An executive’s performance relative to specific individual annual objectives; or
  
An executive’s failure to adhere to UTC’s Code of Ethics, Enterprise Risk Management program or other Company policies.

 

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS

 

Types of Incentives Used

 

OurIn 2016, our NEOs receivewere granted two types of annual equity-based long-term incentive awards:(“LTI”) vehicles under our annual program: Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) and Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”). PSUs made up slightly more than halfcomprised approximately 50% of ELG members’ 2015 annual long-term incentive2016 LTI awards, with the remaining portion granted in the form of SARs. The number of PSUs and SARs awarded to each NEO is based on a total award value approved by the Committee. These awards are subject to a three-year vesting period and other terms and conditions as set forth in the award statements and as provided under the terms of the UTC Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”).Plan.

 

The Committee may also, from time to time, may approve special equity grants for purposes such as recruitment, retention, recognition or to drive the achievement of specific strategic performance goals. These special grants may be in the form of SARs, PSUs, RSUs, restricted stock restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or performance-based SARs. In 2015, special sign-on2016, upon his appointment to the ELG, Mr. Leduc was granted an ELG RSU and SAR awards were granted to Mr. Johri as an offset to compensation forfeited upon leaving his former employer. Mr. Adams also receivedretention award. Under the ELG severance program (see page 47 for details), this award replaces a special RSU award in recognition of achieving 2015 FAA and EASA certification of the GTF engine.prior cash severance arrangement.

 

Changes for 2017.On an annual basis, the Committee reviews the design of our long-term incentive awards to ensure it meets our program’s fundamental objectives of aligning the interests of executives and shareowners, while attracting and retaining talented senior leadership. As discussed on page v, the Committee determined that adding time-based RSUs that vest after three years to our LTI program would result in a more balanced and market-competitive approach to LTI design. Beginning in 2017, our NEOs received 20% of their total annual LTI grant value in the form of RSUs, 30% in the form of SARs and the remaining 50% in PSUs.

42

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Performance Share Units

 

PSUs vest at the end of a three-year performance measurement period if, and to the extent, the Company has metachieves performance goals pre-establishedestablished by the Committee. Each vested PSU converts into one share of Common Stock. Unvested PSUs do not earn dividend equivalents.

Metrics

2015 PSU awards used two equally weighted metrics: earnings per share (“EPS”) growth and relative total shareowner return (“TSR”) versus the S&P 500 (see page 55 for details on how we calculate these metrics). For each metric vesting is calculated separately.

Beginning in 2016, our PSU awards also incorporate a return on invested capital (“ROIC”) metric. The ROIC metric is weighted at 35%, while the EPS growth metric and the relative TSR metric are now weighted at 35% and 30%, respectively.

Setting Performance Goals

EPS Growth. The Committee approved a three-year EPS compound annual growth rate target of 6% for the 2015 PSU grant. This challenging but attainable goal aligns with the expectations we communicated to shareowners in December 2014, prior to the beginning of the performance period. When setting EPS targets for our PSU awards, the Committee accounts for various long-term, business-related expectations, including planned share buybacks, macroeconomic market trends, pension headwinds, cost reduction plans, etc. The Committee retains discretion to exclude certain items (e.g., unplanned share buybacks, restructuring, non-recurring, non-operational items, etc.) from the EPS growth calculation, as necessary to preserve the integrity of the original performance target.

40

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Relative Total Shareowner Return. For the 2015 PSU grant, consistent with past practice, the Committee set a cumulative three-year TSR target at the 50thpercentile relative to the S&P 500 for the remaining 50% of the award.

The Committee believes that comparing UTC’s TSR to companies within the S&P 500 provides an appropriate benchmark for measuring our share price performance as a large capitalization company. The Committee does not set TSR goals relative to the performance of our CPG, which is constituted for the specific purpose of measuring the competitiveness of our compensation program. The S&P 500 provides a more comprehensive and relevant comparison for our share price performance and, unlike the CPG, is not a self-selected, customized benchmark.

Our PSUs are designed to deliver market median compensation at target levels of EPS growth and relative TSR performance. As a result, below-target performance levels will generate below-market median payouts and above-target performance levels will generate above-market median payouts.

 

2016 Performance Metrics and Targets.PSUs granted in 2016 include three performance metrics: earnings per share (“EPS”) growth; total shareowner return (“TSR”) relative to the S&P 500; and return on invested capital (“ROIC”). The following charts show the percentageEPS growth and ROIC metrics are each weighted at 35% and relative TSR is weighted at 30% of the 2015 PSUs that will vest based on the levels of performance achievedtotal award. Vesting is calculated separately for each metric:metric. The Committee approved the following goals for the 2016 PSU awards:

 

EPS GROWTH (WEIGHTED 50%)TSR VS. S&P 500 (WEIGHTED 50%)*EPS Growth:The Committee approved a three-year EPS compound annual growth rate target of 4.5%. This goal aligns with our mid-range strategic business plan and reflects what the Committee believes is a challenging yet attainable target.
  
 
EPS Growth Achieved (%)Relative Total Shareowner Return:Consistent with past practice, the Committee set a cumulative three-year TSR Rank Achieved (Percentile)

*target at the 50thpercentile relative to the S&P 500. Vesting does not occur if UTC’s performance ranks below the 25thpercentile. Vesting is capped at 200% of target if performance reaches the 75thpercentile. In the event of negativethe Company’s TSR over the three yearthree-year performance period is negative, the payout for the TSR portion of the award will be capped at 100% of target, regardless of UTC’s performance relative to the S&P 500. The Committee believes this cap reinforces the alignment of executive and shareowner interests.
Comparing UTC’s TSR to the companies within the S&P 500 provides an appropriate benchmark for measuring our share price performance as a large capitalization company. The Committee does not set TSR goals relative to the performance of our CPG, as it is composed for the specific purpose of measuring the competitiveness of our executive compensation program. The Committee believes the S&P 500 provides a more comprehensive and relevant comparison for our share price performance and, unlike the CPG, is not a self-selected, customized benchmark.
Return on Invested Capital:The Committee approved a three-year ROIC target of 10.5%, an amount that exceeds our weighted average cost of capital, and incentivizes our executives to make disciplined capital allocation decisions. ROIC is calculated based on quarterly averages over the three-year performance period.

 

PSU VestingThe following charts show the percentage of the 2016 PSUs that will vest based on the levels of performance achieved for each metric:

    EPS Growth (weighted 35%)     TSR vs. S&P 500 (weighted 30%)            ROIC (weighted 35%)           

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement43

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

The 2015Committee measures performance based on continuing operations. When setting targets for our PSU awards, the Committee accounts for various long-term business factors, including planned share buybacks, macroeconomic market trends, pension headwinds/tailwinds and cost reduction plans. Certain items such as unplanned share buybacks, restructuring charges, and other non-recurring and non-operational items may be excluded from performance results, as necessary, to maintain the validity of the targets as originally formulated. See Appendix B on page 89 for a definition of how we calculate these metrics.

PSU Vesting (2014–2016 Performance Period).PSU awards granted on January 2, 2014 were subject to vesting based on UTC’s performance relative to goals set for the EPS resultsgrowth and TSR metrics. 2016 GAAP EPS of $8.61 per share included discontinued operations and the gain realized from the sale of Sikorsky Aircraft. The Committee excluded discontinued operations from EPS, which includes this gain,$6.13 was adjusted to $6.61 for PSU vesting measurement purposes. This resulted in an EPS from continuing operationspurposes to account for the impact of $4.53. The Committee made additional adjustments to exclude restructuring, non-recurring, and other significant defined items unrelated to operational performance (see Appendix BA on page 86pages 87-88 for details), resulting. This resulted in an adjusteda 5% compound annual EPS of $6.30 and a vesting factor of 88%.

UTC’s cumulative TSR relative togrowth rate over the S&P 500 for thethree-year performance period, between 2013 and 2015 waswhich fell below the threshold performance level and resulted in a 0% vesting factor.

The Committee believes the final PSU vestingpayout factor of 44%0%. UTC’s three-year cumulative TSR relative to the S&P 500 also fell below the threshold performance level, resulting in a payout factor of target, which is based on an 88% EPS and a 0% relative TSR vesting result, fairly aligns with. Despite solid 2016 financial performance, the overallthree-year combined results failed to reach threshold performance for the vesting of the Company during the 2013-2015 performance period.2014 PSU awards.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights

 

SARs entitle the award recipient to receive, at the time of exercise, shares of UTC Common Stock with a market value equal to the difference between the exercise price (the closingmarket price of Common Stock on the date of grant) and the market price ofUTC Common Stock on the date the SARs are exercised.exercised and the pre-established exercise price for the SAR (i.e., the closing price of UTC Common Stock on the date of grant). SARs vest and become exercisable after three years and expire ten years from the date of grant.grant date. If the employment of thean executive terminates prior tobefore the vesting date, the award is forfeited, except in cases of death, disability, qualifying retirement or qualifying separation following a change-in-control.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners41

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

SAR awards directly link NEO compensation to share price appreciation, aligning shareowner and executive interests with long-term value creation. The Committee believes the ten-year term of these awards has been a driving force behind UTC’s 115% ten-year cumulative TSR of 121% for the period ending on December 31, 2015, which2016, a result that exceeded the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average at 111%(106%) and the S&P 500 at 102%Index (96%).

44

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Other Compensation Elements

 

RETIREMENT AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION BENEFITS

 

Retirement and deferred compensation plans help UTC attract and retain talented executives. Over the years, the Committee has modified these programs to maintain a competitive position within an evolving market. We believe the overall design of our retirement and deferred compensation programs is consistent with the current marketplace and approximateapproximates the CPG median.

 

The Pension Benefits table on page 6366 and the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 6568 detail the retirement benefits and deferred compensation amounts providedarrangements in which our NEOs are eligible to our NEOs.participate.

 

Plan*PLAN DescriptionDESCRIPTION
UTC Employee Retirement Plan EmployeesOnly employees hired prior to January 1, 2010 are eligible to participate in this tax-qualified pension plan. Effective December 31, 2014, participating employeesparticipants who werehad been covered by the original final average earnings (“FAE”) formula of this plan transitioned to a cash balance formula. As a result, theThe cash balance formula, which hadwas already been in effect for newer plan participants, now applies to all participants who were previously covered by the FAE.richer FAE formula.
UTC Pension Preservation Plan An unfunded, non-qualified retirement plan utilizing the same benefit formula, compensation recognition, retirement eligibility and vesting provisions as the tax-qualified UTC Employee Retirement Plan. ItFor employees hired prior to January 1, 2010, it provides pension benefits not provided under the tax-qualified pension plan because of Internal Revenue Code limits.
UTC 401(k) Savings Plan A tax-qualified plan where employees receive an employer stocka matching contribution in the form of UTC stock units with a value equal to 60% of the first 6% of pay (base salary plus annual bonus) contributed by the employee. Salaried employees hired on or after January 1, 2010 who are not eligible to participate in the UTC Employee Retirement Plan and instead receive an additional age-based Company automatic contribution (ranging from 3% to 5.5% of earnings) to their UTC 401(k) Savings Plan.Plan account.
UTC Savings Restoration PlanAn unfunded, non-qualified plan that matches the executive’s contributions with Company contributions in UTC stock units at the same rate as the UTC 401(k) Savings Plan, to the extent such contributions exceed Internal Revenue Code limits.
UTC Company Automatic
Contribution Excess Plan
 An unfunded, non-qualified plan for which salaried employees hired on or after January 1, 2010 may receive an additional age-based Company automatic contribution (ranging from 3% to 5.5% of earnings) for amounts above the Internal Revenue Code limits applicable to the qualified UTC 401(k) Savings Plan. Participants receiving benefits under this plan are ineligible to accrue a benefit under the UTC Pension Preservation Plan described above.
UTC Savings Restoration PlanAn unfunded, non-qualified plan that credits employee contributions with Company matching contributions in UTC stock units at the same rate as the UTC 401(k) Savings Plan, to the extent such contributions exceed Internal Revenue Code limits.
UTC Deferred Compensation Plan An unfunded, non-qualified, deferred compensation arrangementplan that offers participantsexecutives the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and up to 70% of annual bonus.
UTC PSU Deferral Plan An unfunded, non-qualified, deferred compensation plan that allows executives to defer between 10% and 100% of their vested PSU award.awards. Upon vesting, the deferred portion of theeach PSU award is converted into deferred stock units that accrue dividend equivalents.

 

*Detailed descriptions of each of these plans and the benefits they provide can be found on pages 64 to 66.

42Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement45
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

PERQUISITES AND OTHER BENEFITS

 

We provide the following insurance coverage and other benefits to our senior executives which the Committee believes are consistent with market practice and contribute to recruitment and retention.

 

Perquisite/BenefitsPERQUISITES/BENEFITS* DescriptionDESCRIPTION
ELG Life Insurance ELG members appointed prior to January 31, 2015 may receive Company-funded life insurance coverage up to three times their base salary at age 62 (projected or actual). This benefit is not available to ELG members appointed after January 31, 2015.2015, including Mr. Leduc.
ELG Long-Term Disability The ELG long-term disability program provides an annual benefit equal to 80% of base salary plus target annual bonus following disability.
Healthcare ELG members are eligible to participate in the same health benefit program we offer to our other employees.
Executive Physical ELG members are eligible for a comprehensive annual executive physical.
Executive Leased Vehicle UTC provides ELG members with an annual allowance towardstoward the usecosts of a leased vehicle. The value of the allowance forvaries by ELG members varies with position. Leased vehicleappointment date. Any costs above the annual allowance are paid directly by the executive.
Financial Planning Beginning in 2016, ELG members are eligible to receive an annual financial planning benefit up to $16,000 per year.benefit.
Personal Aircraft Usage In January 2015, the Committee modified its policy onOur CEO is allowed personal use of Corporate aircraft. Mr. Hayes may now use the Corporate aircraft for up to 50 hours per year. Personal use of the Corporate aircraft by our President and CEO aligns with our security policy, and theThe Committee believes that itthis optimizes the most efficient use of Mr. Hayes’ time. Under this policy, Mr. Hayes may also fly commercially, subject to review by UTC security personnel. No other UTC employees are permitted to use the Corporate aircraft for personal reasons.
*See footnote (5) to the Summary Compensation Table on page 61 for more details on these perquisites/benefits.

46

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

SEVERANCE AND RETENTIONCHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS

 

ELG members participate in severance and retentionchange-in-control arrangements consistent with practicesthat are similar to arrangements in effect at the majority of companies in our CPG. The Committee believes such arrangements help UTC maintain a competitive executive compensation program. OurAdditionally, our severance arrangements incorporateprogram incorporates post-employment restrictive covenants designed to protect UTC’s interests, including non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure obligations.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners43

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation DiscussionSeverance and Analysis
change-in-control arrangements provide benefits only upon the occurrence of future events. Because these contingencies are uncertain and may not occur, the Committee does not take these benefits into account when setting other elements of pay or measuring total direct compensation.

 

The Potential Payments on Termination or Change-in-Control table on page 70 sets forth the estimated values and details of the termination benefits each NEO would receive under various hypothetical scenarios.

How Our Severance Program has Evolved

 

Over the last ten years, the Committee has made a number of modifications to the ELG severance program to both align with market best practices and to serve the evolving needs of the Company. Changes are generally prospective due to existing contractual commitments. Benefit eligibility, therefore, depends on the date the executive was appointed to the ELG. The following charttable below outlines these modifications:

 

  ELG Appointment Date
  Prior to January 2006 Between January 2006
and April 2013
 On or after May 2013
ELG Cash Separation Benefit 2.5x base salary 2.5x base salary No cash benefit
Conditions to Receive CashSeparation Benefit 

 Mutually agreeable separation

 3+ years as an ELG member

 

 Mutually agreeable separation prior to age 62

 3+ years as an ELG member

 N/A
ELG RSU Award No award granted Grant value equal to 2x base salary at time of grant Grant value up to $2 million, depending on role
Conditions to Vest in theELG RSU Award N/A 

 Mutually agreeable separation on or after age 62

 3+ years as an ELG member

 

 Mutually agreeable separation

 3+ years as an ELG member

NEO Participation Gregory Hayes
Alain Bellemare
Geraud Darnis
 Charles Gill, Jr.
Paul AdamsRobert McDonough
 Akhil Johri
Philippe Delpech
Robert Leduc

 

How Our Severance Benefit Works

Cash Separation Benefit.As shown in the table above, ELG members appointed prior to January 2006 may receive a cash separation payment equal to 2.5x base salary upon a mutually agreeable separation (defined below) following three years as an ELG member.

Beginning in ELG members appointed between January 2006 and April 2013, however, only receive a cash separation benefit if a mutually agreeable separation after 3 years of ELG RSU awards have been granted upon appointmentservice occurs prior to the ELG. These awards receive dividend equivalents during the vesting period thatage 62. ELG appointees after May 2013 are reinvested as additional RSUs.not eligible for this benefit.

ELG Appointments between January 2006 and April 2013: ELG RSU awards are eligible to vest after three years of ELG service followed by a mutually agreeable separation on or after age 62 or following a change-in-control (as defined on page 45). Alternatively, if a mutually agreeable separation occurs prior to age 62 with three years as an ELG member, a cash separation payment equal to 2.5x base salary will be paid in lieu of vesting in the ELG RSU award.
ELG Appointments on or after May 2013: ELG RSU awards will vest in cases of either mutually agreeable separation after three years of ELG service or following a change-in-control (as defined on page 45). While post-May 2013 appointees have no age requirement for vesting in their ELG RSU awards, they are not eligible for a cash severance payment upon separation.

 

A mutually agreeable separation occurs when:

 

An ELG member’s position with UTC has been eliminated or diminished by a divestiture, restructuring, shift in priorities or similar event;
  
An executive retires between age 62 and 65 with the Company’s consent; or

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement47
 
An executive retires at age 65 or older.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

An executive retires at age 65 or older.

 

Voluntary terminations prior to age 62, or terminations related to misconduct, do not qualify as mutually agreeable.agreeable separations.

ELG RSU Awards.Beginning in January 2006, ELG RSU awards have been granted upon an executive’s appointment to the ELG. These awards receive dividend equivalents during the vesting period that are reinvested as additional RSUs.

 

44ELG Appointments between January 2006 and April 2013:ELG RSU awards are eligible to vest after three years of ELG service followed by a mutually agreeable separation on or after age 62 or following a change-in-control (as defined below). As discussed on the prior page, a cash severance benefit will be paid if separation occurs prior to age 62 and ELG RSU awards will subsequently be cancelled.

 
ELG Appointments on or after May 2013:ELG RSU awards will vest in cases of a mutually agreeable separation after three years of ELG service (regardless of age) or following a change-in-control (as defined below). Post-May 2013 appointees are not eligible for a cash severance benefit upon separation.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Change-in-Control Benefits

 

Our Senior Executive Severance Plan (“SESP”) provides change-in-control severance protection designed to help ensure continuity of management in potential change-in-control situations. In response to changing market practices, we closed this program to new participants effective June 2009. For thoseAccordingly, Mr. Hayes is the only NEO who are stillis eligible to participate,for the program includesSESP benefit. The SESP provides a cash severance benefit of 2.99x the sum of base salary and the executive’s target annual bonus for the year in which termination occurs.

 

Executives appointed to the ELG on or after June 2009 (including Messrs. Johri, McDonough, Delpech and Leduc), who do not participate in our Change-in-Control program andthe SESP, are instead covered by the standard ELG severance benefit (2.5x base salary and/or the vesting of ELG RSU awards) in the event of a change-in-control.

 

Eligible ELG members may receive the greater of the SESP or the ELG cash severance benefits,separation benefit, but not both.

 

A change-in-control generally occurs upon:

 

 (i)the acquisition of 20% of UTC’s outstanding shares by a person or a group;
 (ii)if
incumbent directors no longer constitute aconstituting the majority of the Board; or
 (iii)
a merger or similar event where UTC shareowners own less than 50% of the voting shares of the new organization.

 

Benefits under both the legacy SESP and the UTC Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) are subject to a “double trigger” wheretrigger,” under which benefits are provided only if a change-in-control is followed by an involuntary termination of employment or termination of employment for “good reason” within two years of thefollowing a change-in-control event. “Good reason” generally includes material adverse changes in an executive’s compensation, responsibilities, authority, reporting relationship or work location. Under the LTIP, inupon a change-in-control event, acceleratedthe vesting of outstanding equity awards will be accelerated, with performance-based awards will occuraccelerated at target levels.

 

Role of Severance and Retention Benefits in Compensation Program

The Committee believes that with the program modifications previously described, the terms and conditions of our severance arrangements and change-in-control agreements for ELG members are market-competitive relative to our Compensation Peer Group and provide participating executives with a reasonable level of financial security. Because severance and change-in-control benefits are contingent on future events, they operate as a form of insurance rather than as a principal component of compensation strategy. The Committee, therefore, does not take these benefits into account when setting other elements of pay or measuring total direct compensation.

The Potential Payments on Termination or Change-in-Control table on page 67 sets forth the estimated values and details of the termination benefits each NEO would receive under various hypothetical scenarios.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners4845
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

How We View Executive Compensation

 

The Summary Compensation Table on page 5760 provides annual compensation data presented in accordance with SECthe Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) requirements. This SEC-mandated format is helpful for cross-company comparisons. However, the Committee feels that it does not fully represent all of the Committee’s annual compensation decisions and, in particular, does not provide the basis for a valid CEO pay-for-performance assessment. Therefore, when reviewing annual compensation, the Committee uses several alternative calculation methodologies, as described in this section and summarized in the chart on page 49.below.

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE Summary Compensation
Table
TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION
 Total Direct
Compensation
REALIZABLE COMPENSATION
 Realizable CompensationREALIZED COMPENSATION
Basic concept Realized Compensation
Basic concept 
Uses SEC methodology, which includes a mix of both compensation actually earned during 20152016 and some future contingent pay opportunities Includes only pay that is directly linked to 20152016 performance 3-year average compensation measure which captures how our current shareUTC’s year-end stock price would affecteffects previously granted equity awards Includes only pay that was actually earned during 2015the year
Purpose 
Purpose
SEC-mandated compensation disclosure Reflects the Committee’s compensation decisions based on 20152016 performance Used to evaluate pay-for- performancepay-for-performance alignment Used to evaluate pay-for- performance alignment
How it is calculated 

Sum of:

• Base salary paid in 2015

 Annual bonus earned for 2015 performance

 Dividend equivalents

All other compensation

plus

Sum of:Three-year average of:Sum of:
Future pay opportunities that may or may not be realized, such as:

 Accounting value of equity awards (SARs and PSUs) granted in 2015

 Change in the actuarial value of pension benefits

 Above market earnings of non-qualified deferred compensation

realized.
 

Sum of:

 Base salary set for 2015

•  Annual bonus earned for 2015 performance

 Accounting value of equity awards (SARs and PSUs) granted in January 2016, reflecting 2015 performance

Excludes:

Pay elements outside the scope of the Committee’s annual compensation decisions, such as:

•  Change in the actuarial value of pension benefits

• Dividend equivalents

• All other compensation

• Above market earnings of non-qualified deferred compensation

Three-year average of:

 Base salary paid

 Annual bonus earned

 Dividend equivalents

  In-the-money value(1)of equity awards (SARs and PSUs) granted during the prior three fiscal years (calculated based on the stock price at the end of the third year)

 Other direct(2) compensation

Excludes:

 Change in the actuarial value of pension benefits

 Other indirect(3) compensation

 Above market earnings of non-qualified deferred compensation

Sum of:

 Base salary paid in 2015

 Annual bonus earned for 2015 performance

 Dividend equivalents

 Gains in 2015 on options/SARs exercised and PSUs vested

 Other direct(2) compensation

Excludes:

 Change in the actuarial value of pension benefits

 Other indirect(3) compensation

 Above market earnings of non-qualified deferred compensation

(1)For a definition of in-the-money value refer to page 47.50.
(2)Other direct compensationcompensation” includes personal use of the Corporate aircraft, leased vehicle paymentsexpenses, financial planning and other miscellaneous compensation elements.
(3)Other indirect compensationcompensation” includes insurance premiums and Company contributions to non-qualified deferred compensation plans and defined contribution retirement plans.

 

46Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement49
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION

 

Unlike the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table, total direct compensation represents the Committee’s pay decisions reflective of its assessment of Company, business unit and individual performance for 2016. For example, total direct compensation includes only pay elements that directlythe grant date fair value of long-term incentive awards granted in January 2017 which reflect the Committee’s assessment of Company and individual performance for 2015. For example,2016 performance. In contrast, the Summary Compensation Table shows the grant date fair value of long-term incentive awards granted in January 2015,2016 which reflectsreflect the Committee’s assessment of 20142015 performance. In contrast, total direct compensation reflects 2015 performance by instead including the grant date fair value of awards granted in January 2016. Other elements included in the Summary Compensation Table–Table – changes in pension values dividend equivalent payments and other formulaic compensation elements–elements – are not related to performance and outside the scope of the Committee’s annual pay decisions. Therefore, the Committee believes excludingExclusion of these elements from total direct compensation, therefore, renders a more accurate and up-to-date assessmentreflection of the Committee’s assessment of performance evaluation for the year.

 

MR. HAYES: 2015CEO: SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE VS. TOTAL DIRECT COMPENSATION

 

 2016 Summary 2016 Total Direct
Compensation Element (in thousands) 2015 Summary
Compensation Table
 2015 Total Direct
Compensation
 Compensation Table Compensation
Base Salary $1,300 $1,300 $1,450 $1,500
Annual Bonus $850 $850 $3,000 $3,000
Stock Awards $4,752 $4,869 $4,960 $7,878
 (1/2/15 grant) (1/4/16 grant) (1/4/16 grant) (1/3/17 grant)
Option Awards $3,280 $3,707
Option / SAR Awards $3,706 $2,589
 (1/2/15 grant) (1/4/16 grant) (1/4/16 grant) (1/3/17 grant)
Change in Pension Value + Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings $231 N/A
Change in Pension Value + Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings $2,393 N/A
All Other Compensation $355 N/A $322 N/A
Total $10,768 $10,726 $15,831 $14,967

 

REALIZABLE COMPENSATION

 

The Committee does not believebelieves that neither the Summary Compensation Table ornor total direct compensation values adequately measure CEO compensation for the purpose of assessing pay-for-performance alignment. Both methods utilize accounting conventions to estimate values of long-term incentive awards at the time of grant. As might be expected, these estimated values can differ significantly from the actual value that is ultimately earned from these awards.

 

For this reason, the Committee also considerslooks at “realizable compensation” which measures compensation based on a three-year average of salary, annual bonus, long-term incentive awards, non-equity incentive compensationdividend equivalents (if any) and other direct compensation elements. Realizable compensation plays an important role in helping the Committee assess the actual alignment of our compensation program’s alignmentprogram with shareowners’shareowner’s long-term interests. It captures the impact of UTC’s current share price performance on previously granted long-term incentive awards by using the “in-the-money” value for these awards rather than athe grant date fair value. The “in-the-money” value is defined as the difference between the closing price of our Common Stock at the end of the three-year measurement periodfiscal year and the exercise price of the award (if any) multiplied by the number of shares underlying SAR and PSU awards. By using this end-of-year stock price, realizable compensation directly correlates the value of an executive’s benefitlong-term incentive awards with the returnreturns our shareowners receivedreceive from investing in our Common Stock over the same period. An illustration of this alignment is shown in the charts on page 49.53.

 

Also, unlike the Summary Compensation Table, realizable compensation excludes any change in the value of an executive’s pension benefits during the year. The change in pension value shown in the Summary Compensation Table does not represent actual payments to be received upon retirement. It merely reflects the change between the current and

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

and prior year’s actuarial estimate of pension benefits, a calculation based on actuarial assumptions and external economic factors, such as fluctuating interest rates. These calculations do not necessarily correlate with the value of actual benefits received. In addition, Mr. Hayes and some of the otherour U.S.-based NEOs hired prior to January 1, 2010 participate in a broad-based pension plan with the same benefit formula that appliesgenerally applicable to U.S. salaried employees hired prior to January 1, 2010.before that date. This plan does not measure individual or Company performance as assessed by the Committee and is therefore, in the Committee’s view, irrelevant to the CEO pay-for-performance assessment.

 

Realizable compensation also excludes other indirect compensation elements, such asincluding Company contributions to the UTC 401(k) Savings Planretirement and our non-qualified deferred compensation plans as well asin addition to ELG life insurance premiums. Since these elements are also not based onunrelated to performance, the Committee does not considerexcludes them relevant to thefrom its assessment of the CEO’s pay relative to his performance.

 

MR. HAYES: THREE-YEAR HISTORY OFCEO REALIZABLE COMPENSATION(in thousands)

 

Pay Elements Calculation Methodology 2013* 2014* 2015*
Base Salary Average annual base salary for the year shown and the preceding two years. $805 $883 $1,040
Annual Bonus Average annual bonus earned for the year shown and the preceding two years. $1,173 $1,300 $1,183
Stock Awards Average annual value of vested and unvested PSU awards granted in the year shown and the preceding two years, based on UTC’s share price at the end of the year shown. For the completed three-year performance cycles, the calculation is based on the actual number of shares vested. For the two uncompleted three-year performance cycles, the calculation assumes that the target number of shares is earned.  $2,917  $2,269  $2,230
Option Awards Average annual in-the-money value of SAR awards (vested and unvested) granted in the year shown and the preceding two years, calculated based on UTC’s share price at the end of the year shown.  $3,850  $2,806  $430
Non-Equity IncentiveCompensation Average annual value of dividend equivalents paid in cash for the year shown and the preceding two years, under a legacy long-term incentive program that expired at the end of 2014.    $324    $236    $121
Other DirectCompensation Average annual value of other direct compensation for the year shown and the preceding two years. Includes personal use of the Corporate aircraft, leased vehicle payments, and other miscellaneous compensation items. Excludes other indirect compensation, as defined on page 46.  $49  $46  $66
Total Realizable Compensation $9,118 $7,540 $5,070

Pay Elements Calculation Methodology 2014 2015 2016
Base Salary Three-year average base salary. $883 $1,040 $1,233
Annual Bonus Three-year average annual bonus. $1,300 $1,183 $1,817
Stock Awards Average value of PSUs granted in prior three years (including both vested and unvested awards), calculated using UTC’s closing stock price at the end of the year shown. For the completed three-year performance cycles, the calculation includes the actual number of shares that vested. For the two uncompleted three-year performance cycles, the calculation assumes shares will vest at target. $1,556 $1,634 $3,380
Option / SAR Awards Average in-the-money value of SARs granted in prior three years (including both vested and unvested), calculated using UTC’s closing stock price at the end of the year shown. $2,806 $430 $1,236
Dividend Equivalents Three-year average value of dividend equivalents paid in cash, under a legacy long-term incentive program that expired at the end of 2014. $236 $121 $18
Other Direct
Compensation
 Three-year average value of “other direct compensation,” which includes personal use of Corporate aircraft, leased vehicle expenses, financial planning and other miscellaneous compensation items. Excludes “other indirect compensation,” as defined on page 49. $46 $66 $79
Total   $6,827 $4,474 $7,763

*Compensation values shown in thousands.

 

The following table shows the actual or assumed vesting levels used for Mr. Hayes’ PSUs in the preceding table:

 

Grant Date Actual Shares Vested Vesting (as % of target) Actual Shares Vested Vesting(as % of target)
1/3/2011 36,312 136%
1/3/2012 29,070 90% 29,070 90%
1/3/2013 11,528 44% 11,528 44%
1/2/2014 Awards not yet vested; target number of shares assumed 0 0%
1/2/2015  Awards not yet vested; target number of shares assumed
1/4/2016 

 

48Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement51
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

REALIZED COMPENSATION

 

The Committee also reviews “realized compensation” for purposes of assessing CEO pay-for-performance alignment. Realized compensation includes the amount actually earned during the year, but excludes amounts that may or may not be paid in the future. Realized compensation alsoIt incorporates any gains actually earned during the year from the vesting of PSUs or the exercise of stock options or SARs. Realized compensationThis provides the Committee with an additional relevant measure to assess the robustness of our pay-for-performance relationship by focusing on the strength of the correlation between UTC’s performance and the level ofactual cash and equity payouts and UTC’s performance.earned by our CEO. Although the decision to exercise stock options and SARs resides with the executive and therefore may not always correlate precisely with Company performance over specific time periods, the timing ofvalue realized from exercises oftengenerally aligns with stock price appreciation. Changes in pension values, non-qualifed deferred compensation earnings and other indirect compensation elements are excluded from realized compensation for the same reasons noted in the discussion of realizable compensation on page 48.51. An illustration of this alignment is shown in the charts on page 53.

 

MR. HAYES: THREE-YEAR HISTORY OFCEO REALIZED COMPENSATION(in thousands)

 

Pay Elements Calculation Methodology 2013* 2014* 2015* Calculation Methodology 2014 2015 2016
Base Salary Base salary paid during the year shown. $870 $950 $1,300 Base salary paid during the year shown. $950 $1,300 $1,450
Annual Bonus Annual bonus earned for performance during the year shown. $1,100 $1,600 $850 Annual bonus earned for performance during the year shown. $1,600 $850 $3,000
Stock Awards Realized gains on PSUs that vested during the year shown. $2,156 $4,052 $3,469 Realized gains on PSUs that vested during the year shown. $4,052 $3,469 $1,002
Option Awards Realized gains on stock options and SARs exercised during the year shown. $15,387 $2,990 $0
Non-Equity IncentiveCompensation Value of dividend equivalents paid in cash during the year shown, under a legacy long-term incentive program that expired at the end of 2014.  $308  $54  $0
Option / SAR Awards Realized gains on SARs exercised during the year shown. $2,990 $0 $5,611
Dividend Equivalents Value of dividend equivalents paid in cash during the year shown under a legacy long-term incentive program that expired at the end of 2014. $54 $0 $0
Other DirectCompensation Value of other direct compensation for the year shown. Includes personal use of the Corporate aircraft, leased vehicle payments, and other miscellaneous compensation items. Excludes other indirect compensation, as defined on page 46.  $56  $34  $106 Value of “other direct compensation” for the year shown, which includes personal use of Corporate aircraft, leased vehicle expenses, financial planning and other miscellaneous compensation items. Excludes “other indirect compensation,” as defined on page 49. $34 $106 $95
Total Realized Compensation $19,877 $9,680 $5,725
Total  $9,680 $5,725 $11,158

52

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

*Compensation values shown in thousands.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE VS. REALIZABLE AND REALIZED COMPENSATIONCEO PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE

 

The following charts compare the Summary Compensation Table values reported for Mr. Hayes for the past three years to his realizable and realized compensation for the same time period. As shown in theThe charts below not only show that the correlation between TSR and realizable and realized compensation is stronger than the correlation between TSR and Summary Compensation Table values.values, but reinforces our program’s strong pay-for-performance alignment.

 

Summary Compensation TableTable* Realizable Compensation* Realized Compensation* Total Shareowner Return1-Year TSR
(thousands) (thousands) (thousands) (1-Year TSR)

 

* Values shown in thousands. Refer to the tabletables on page 48pages 49-52 to see how we calculate realizable compensation and the preceding table for how realized compensation is calculated.compensation.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Pay Decisions for Named Executive Officers (NEOs)

 

The Committee makes compensation decisions for our NEOs based on their individual performance and the overall performance of the Company, business unit and/or function, where applicable.

The following pages show each NEO’s 2016 total direct compensation values. As discussed on page 47,50, total direct compensation representsincludes only those pay elements that directly reflect the Committee’s 2015assessment of 2016 performance (includes 2017 LTI grants, rather than 2016 LTI grants). We also provide individual performance highlights that played a role in the Committee’s pay decisions for each of the principal elements of compensation (i.e., base salary, annual bonus, long-term incentives). Unlike the Summary Compensation Table, which includes the long-term incentive award (PSUs and SARs) granted in January 2015 reflecting 2014 performance, total direct compensation includes the PSU and SAR awards granted in January 2016 reflecting the Committee’s assessment of 2015 performance.

The charts shown for each NEO in the following pages display the total direct compensation value delivered in each of the principal elements of compensation. These charts do not include amounts paid to Mr. Johri to offset compensation he forfeited upon leaving his former employer. Additionally, since Mr. Darnis retired on January 31, 2016 and did not receive a 2016 long-term incentive grant, the total direct compensation shown in the chart on page 52 does not include 2016 PSU and SAR awards.NEO.

 

GREGORY HAYES 
 

Age:55
UTC Experience:26 years

 

Individual Performance Highlights

•  Effectively driving UTC’s portfolio transformation, including the accelerated completion of the sale of Sikorsky Aircraft and the acquisition of a number of businesses better aligned with UTC’s core markets and segments

•  Simplification of UTC’s organizational structure, providing greater transparency and more direct accountability

•  Rigorous commitment to a disciplined capital allocation strategy, evidenced by the $12 billion we returned to shareowners in 2015 through dividends and share repurchases (including the $6 billion accelerated share buyback program announced in November 2015)

•  Efficient transition to a new senior leadership team with a strong focus on operational excellence and a renewed emphasis on succession planning

•  Achievement of aggressive pre-established environmental goals

•  Listed as one of the 2016 Best CEOs in the aerospace and defense electronics category byInstitutional Investor Magazine for his effective communication with shareowners and analysts

President andChairman & Chief Executive Officer

The Committee assessed Mr. Hayes’ 2016 performance favorably in his first full year as President and CEO.favorably. Under his leadership, UTC successfully executed its 2016 financial, strategic and operational objectives intended to drive sustained, long-term growth and increasedincrease shareowner value.

 

TotalOverall, total direct compensation decreased slightlyincreased from $10.93 million in 2014 to $10.73$10.82 million in 2015 directly attributable to a decrease$14.97 million in 2016.

Base Salary. To better align Mr. Hayes with the Company’s 2015CPG median, the Committee increased his base salary from $1.3 to $1.5 million, effective April 1, 2016.

Annual Bonus. UTC’s 2016 annual bonus financial performance factor compared to the prior year.

2015 adjustedreflects net income and free cash flow performance. Adjusted net income of $5.563$5.46 billion fell short ofexceeded the $6.282$5.35 billion annual bonus target set for the year,goal, resulting in a vestingpayout factor of 0%127% for the earnings portion of the annual bonus award.metric. The 2015 ratio of free cash flow to net income used to calculate thefor annual bonus performance factorpurposes equaled 99%, compared to the 90% goal. This resulted in a target of 100%.108% payout factor for the UTC cash flow metric. In combination, these factors resulted inresults generated a 39%120% bonus factor attributable to UTC’s 2016 financial performance, factor for purposes of determiningsubstantially greater than the 2015 annual bonus awards.factor.

 

The Committee utilized these results,this factor, along with the favorable individual performance considerations noted here and awarded Mr. Hayes an $850,000a $3 million annual bonus, anbonus. This amount that closely aligns with the Company’s 39%120% financial performance factor.

 

LTI. Mr. Hayes’ 20162017 long-term incentive award recognizesreflects the Committee’s favorable assessment of his 20152016 performance. The value of his 20162017 award equals $8.58$10.47 million, an amount exceedingwhich exceeds the $8.03 million award made in 2015value of his 2016 grant but remains below the CPG median, reflecting his briefrelatively short tenure as CEO.

 

Age:56

UTC Experience:27 years

Individual Performance Highlights

•   Elected Chairman of the Board, evidencing the Board’s confidence in Mr. Hayes’ leadership.

•   Achieved EPS growth of 35% and adjusted EPS growth of 5%, as well as net sales growth of 2% (GAAP and adjusted).

•   Returned $4.3 billion to shareowners in 2016 through dividends and share repurchases.

•   Made substantial R&D investments in product and process innovations that enhance UTC’s long-term growth prospects.

•   Achieved critical aerospace program milestones during 2016, including the entry into service of the Airbus A320neo and the first flight of the next-generation Embraer E-Jet E2, both powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower GTF engines.

•   Continued efforts to reduce UTC’s global environmental impact by setting aggressive sustainability goals and supporting the development of green technologies.

 

5054
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

AKHIL JOHRI 

Age:54
UTC Experience:27 years

 

Individual Performance Highlights

•  His role in the negotiations and transition efforts related to the successful sale of Sikorsky Aircraft, which closed on an expedited timeline

•  Ranked #1 2016 Best CFO in the aerospace and defense electronics category byInstitutional Investor Magazine

•  His efforts towards the implementation of the announced multi-year $1.5 billion cost reduction plan, which included $400 million in restructuring in 2015

•  Successful execution of UTC’s disciplined capital allocation strategy, including the $12 billion returned to shareowners in 2015 through dividends and share repurchases (including the $6 billion accelerated share buyback program announced in November 2015)

•  Strategic financial leadership in positioning UTC to maximize future growth opportunities through $538 million in acquisitions and $3.9 billion in Company and customer-funded research and development investments made in 2015

 

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

The Committee approved

Base Salary. During 2016, Mr. Johri received a merit increase along with a market adjustment to his base salary, resulting in an aggregate increase from $700,000 to $825,000. This increase reflected the Committee’s favorable assessment of $700,000 forhis performance, as well as its efforts to better align his base salary with the CPG and Fortune 100 market medians. Following these increases, Mr. Johri upon his return to UTC on January 1, 2015.Johri’s base salary remains slightly below the market median.

 

Annual Bonus. For purposes ofMr. Johri’s 2016 annual bonus, determination, the Committee considered the UTC financial performance factor of 39%120%, as discussed on the prior page, his effective leadership of theUTC’s finance organization and the individual performance considerations noted here. Based on these factors, the Committeehere and awarded Mr. Johri a $375,000$1.1 million annual bonus, anbonus. This amount was slightly above the UTC financial performance factor but below the market median.factor.

 

Reflecting its favorable assessmentLTI. In consideration of Mr. Johri’s 2015strong 2016 performance, the Committee granted him a 20162017 long-term incentive award valued at $2.79 million. The value of this award falls below$3.55 million, an amount which slightly exceeds the CPG and Fortune 100 market median, reflectingmedians.

Age:55

UTC Experience:28 years

Individual Performance Highlights

   Mr. Johri’s brief tenure as CFO.leadership substantially contributed to the Company’s solid 2016 financial performance, including growth in diluted EPS and net sales.

•   Reduced UTC’s future balance sheet risk through cost-effective transactions that eliminated approximately $1.7 billion in U.S. pension liabilities.

•   Continued the successful implementation of UTC’s cost reduction initiatives, with expected savings of $900 million by 2019.

•   Executed UTC’s disciplined capital allocation strategy, returning $4.3 billion to shareowners in 2016 through dividends and share repurchases.

•   Ranked among the best CFOs in the aerospace and defense electronics sector byInstitutional Investor Magazine.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

GERAUD DARNISROBERT MCDONOUGH 

Age:56
UTC Experience:32 years

 

Individual Performance Highlights

•  Selection of Otis to install elevators and escalators at the landmark New York City Hudson Yards development projectPresident, UTC Climate, Controls & Security

 

•  Otis’ contract win valued at more than $100 million to provide 370 elevators and 104 escalators to the world’s largest hotel, the Abraj Kudai in Saudi Arabia

•  Significant UTC CCS’ contract wins for the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Culture Center in Kuwait and the new Atlanta Braves stadium

•  Rollout of upgraded North American Residential HVAC products which meet the 2015 Regional Efficiency Standards

•  Launch ofBase Salary. Mr. McDonough received a number of new or upgraded products, including the Advanced Diesel Engine truck trailer and Orion container platforms for transportation refrigeration

President & Chief Executive Officer,
UTC Building & Industrial Systems

Mr. Darnis received abase salary increase from $1,050,000$750,000 to $1,100,000 effective April 1, 2015,$825,000, reflecting the Committee’s ongoing favorable assessment of his performance leading UTC’s $28.7 billion commercial businesses.performance. Mr. McDonough’s base salary now approximates the CPG median.

 

For purposes of annual bonus determination, the Committee weightedAnnual Bonus. The financial performance factors for the Company (39%, as previously discussed)UTC (120%) and for UTC Building & Industrial Systems (73%CCS (98%), which resulted in combination, generated a blended financial performance factor of 59%107% of target.target for UTC CCS. Based on these results, along with the individual performance considerations listednoted here, the Committee awarded Mr. DarnisMcDonough an annual bonus of $710,000,$1.1 million, an amount that aligns with thisis moderately above UTC CCS’ blended financial performance factor.

 

LTI. In consideration of Mr. Darnis retired effective January 31,McDonough’s 2016 and therefore, did not receiveperformance, the Committee granted him a 20162017 long-term incentive award.award valued at $3.79 million, an amount above the CPG median.

 

Age:57

UTC Experience:9 years

Individual Performance Highlights

•   Successful acquisition of controlling interest in Riello Group S.p.A.

•   Launched 132 new products during 2016. Examples include:

Onity DirectKey mobile access solution, which provides hotel guests an easy, secure way to use their smartphone as a room key and to enter other access controlled areas;

Carrier’s Connect WiFi thermostat for commercial buildings, which allows remote digital building control; and

The Côr home automation system, which enables homeowners to secure, control and remotely manage home systems from a mobile application via their connected devices.

•   Significant contract wins, including:

Design and installation of security and extra low voltage systems for the Lisboa Palace project in Macau, China.

NORESCO’s guaranteed energy savings performance contract (ESPC) to implement infrastructure upgrades at two major U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers.

 

5256
 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

PAUL ADAMSPHILIPPE DELPECH 

President, Otis Elevator

Base Salary. Mr. Delpech received a base salary increase from $750,000 to $800,100, reflecting the Committee’s favorable assessment of his performance. Mr. Delpech’s salary is now slightly above the CPG median.

Annual Bonus. The financial performance factors for UTC (120%) and Otis (103%) resulted in a blended financial performance factor of 110% of target for Otis. Based on these results, along with the individual performance considerations noted here, the Committee awarded Mr. Delpech an annual bonus of $850,000, an amount that aligns with Otis’ blended financial performance factor.

LTI. In consideration of Mr. Delpech’s 2016 performance, the Committee granted him a 2017 long-term incentive award valued at $3.79 million, an amount above the CPG median.

 

Age:54

UTC Experience:16 years

 

Individual Performance Highlights

•   Certification byIncreased engineering investment, enabling Otis to nearly double the FAA and EASAnumber of the GTF engineproducts launched in 2015, well ahead of competitors2016 compared to 2015.

 

•   CertificationBegan implementation of the GTF-powered Airbus A320neoa transformational digital strategy to better connect Otis’ mechanics and the Bombardier CSeries aircraftcustomers with their equipment.

 

•   First flightsIntroduced the next generation of the GTF-powered Gulfstream G500Gen2 elevator, which increases connectivity, space and the Mitsubishi Regional Jet aircraftenergy efficiency.

 

•   First flights of the Boeing KC-46A tanker and the Embraer KC-390 transportSignificant building contract wins, including:

 

•  Achievement of initial operational capability for the Joint Strike Fighter’s F135 engine for the U.S. MarinesInternational Financial Centre (Shenzhen, China); and

 

•  On-time first engine test for the Irkut MC-21 and Embraer EJet2 programsTwentytwo Bishopsgate (London, England).

President, Pratt & Whitney

Mr. Adams received a salary increase from $550,000 to $650,000 effective April 1, 2015, recognizing the elevation of his position in UTC’s revised organizational structure.

For purposes of annual bonus determination, the weighted performance relative to the Company and Pratt & Whitney targets generated a financial performance factor of 73% of target. The Committee considered this result, along with the individual performance considerations noted here, and awarded Mr. Adams a $450,000 annual bonus, an amount that aligns with this financial performance factor.

Also in consideration of Mr. Adams’ 2015 performance, the Committee granted him a 2016 long-term incentive award valued at $2.56 million. Separately, at the end of 2015, the Committee also awarded Mr. Adams a $1 million special RSU grant in recognition for his role in achieving FAA and EASA certification for the GTF engine, a significant milestone for UTC.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION: Compensation Discussion and Analysis

CHARLES GILL, JR.

Age:51

UTC Experience:21 years

Individual Performance Highlights

•  Successfully managed UTC’s most significant litigation, investigative, contractual, intellectual property and environmental, health and safety matters

•  Managed the legal aspects of UTC’s M&A transactions, including the successful sale of Sikorsky Aircraft, where regulatory approvals and closing were achieved on an expedited basis

•  Maintained a “best-in-class” ethics and compliance culture, including strong leadership of UTC’s ongoing efforts to build an effective and sustainable International Trade Compliance program

•  Efforts to further enhance the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management program and effectively focus the Board and senior management on UTC’s most significant risks

•  Ongoing efforts to assure UTC maintains corporate governance best practices, including proactive implementation of proxy access in 2015

Executive Vice President & General Counsel

Mr. Gill received a salary increase from $685,000 to $725,000 effective April 1, 2015. This increase brings Mr. Gill’s salary to approximately the market median, reflecting the Committee’s favorable assessment of his performance throughout his tenure.

For purposes of annual bonus determination, the Committee considered the UTC financial performance factor of 39%, as discussed on prior pages, his effective leadership of the legal organization and the individual performance considerations noted here. Based on these factors, the Committee awarded Mr. Gill a $375,000 annual bonus, an amount above the financial performance factor but below the market median.

Reflecting its favorable assessment of Mr. Gill’s 2015 performance, the Committee granted him a 2016 long-term incentive award valued at $2.79 million. The value of this award falls above the market median, recognizing Mr. Gill’s 2015 performance and extended tenure in his role.

54

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION:Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

Program Administration

EXPLANATION OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES USED IN INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS

All performance measures are based on performance of continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.

ROBERT LEDUC

 

Plan

President, Pratt & Whitney

Base Salary. Mr. Leduc received a market adjustment to his base salary from $675,000 to $750,000 in 2016. This increase reflected the Committee’s favorable assessment of his performance and its efforts to better align his base salary with the CPG market median. Mr. Leduc’s base salary remains slightly below the CPG median.

Annual Bonus. The financial performance factors for UTC (120%) and for Pratt & Whitney (47%) resulted in a blended financial performance factor of 76% of target for Pratt & Whitney. Based on operational challenges during 2016, the Committee reduced Pratt & Whitney’s financial performance factor to 64% of target. Nevertheless, the Committee determined that Mr. Leduc’s effective individual leadership addressing Pratt & Whitney’s operational challenges warranted an annual bonus of $600,000, an amount moderately above this adjusted factor.

LTI. Reflecting its favorable assessment of Mr. Leduc’s 2016 performance, the Committee granted him a 2017 long-term incentive award valued at $3.79 million, an amount above the CPG median.

 

MetricAge:

60

UTC Experience:

Business Units38 years
ANNUAL
INCENTIVE
EarningsNet income, as defined below.Earnings before interest

Individual Performance Highlights

•   Awarded a $1.5 billion contract from the U.S. Department of Defense for the F135 propulsion systems for all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.

•   Successful entries into service of the Airbus A320neo and taxes less:

Bombardier C Series aircraft and the first flight of the Embraer E-Jet E2 aircraft, all powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PurePower GTF engines.

•   Restructuring costs;
Selection of Pratt & Whitney to provide engines for the U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider.

•   Non-recurring items;
Increased total GTF engine firm and option orders to more than 8,000 in 2016, while implementing production processes necessary to meet customer demand and record backlog.

•   Significant, defined non-operational items;Skillful management of operational and
•  Impact of significant acquisitions/divestitures

Free Cash FlowConsolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures (as reported in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K), adjusted for restructuring, non- recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items.Internal measure based on consolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities, less capital expenditure (both as reported in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K), and adjusted for restructuring and other certain significant, non-recurring and non-operational items.
Net IncomeUTC’s net income attributable to common shareowners, as reported in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, but excluding restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items. For a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, refer to Appendix B on page 86.Internal measure consisting of each business unit’s respective share of UTC net income attributable to common shareowners, but excluding restructuring and other significant non-recurring and non- operational items.
LONG-TERMINCENTIVEEarnings PerShareDiluted earnings per share, subject to adjustments for restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items. For a reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, please refer to Appendix B on page 86.
TotalShareownerReturnTotal investment return on Common Stock between two points in time, using a trailing 60-day average, calculated to account for changes in share price and reinvested dividends. certification challenges arising from multiple new engine development programs.

 

DILUTION AND TAX DEDUCTIBILITYDilution and Tax Deductibility

 

Dilution.Under the UTC Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), as approved by our shareowners, the total number of shares underlying equity-based awards issued in 20152016 was approximatelyless than 1% of shares outstanding, well within LTIP share limitations. As of the end of 2015,2016, the total number of shares that could be issued under the LTIP was approximately 9% of shares outstanding (calculated on a fully diluted basis), which is approximately atgenerally aligns with the CPG median. UTC’s diluted earnings per share reflect all such shares.

 

Tax Deductibility.The Committee considers tax deductibility among many other factors when making compensation decisions. To the extent consistent with other compensation objectives, the Committee seeks to maximize UTC’s tax deduction relativerelated to compensation paid.compensation. Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) limits UTC’s deduction to $1 million for annual compensation paid to the CEO and each of the three other most highly compensated NEOs (excluding the CFO). However, this limitation does not apply to compensation that qualifies as “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m). Annual bonuses, SARs / stock options and performance-based long-term incentive awards are generally intended to qualify as performance-based compensation exempt from the $1 million deduction limit. Other compensation elements are subject to the $1 million deduction limit. However, there can be no assurance that such compensation will qualify as performance-based compensation under all circumstances.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners5855
 

 

Report of the Committee on Compensation and Executive Development

 

The Committee on Compensation and Executive Development establishes and oversees the design and function of UTC’s executive compensation program. We have reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with the management of the Company and recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in UTC’s Proxy Statement for the 20162017 Annual Meeting.

 

Committee on Compensation and Executive Development

Committee on Compensation and Executive Development
Jean-Pierre Garnier, ChairRichard B. MyersHarold McGraw III
John V. FaraciBrian C. Rogers
Edward A. KangasH. Patrick Swygert
Harold McGraw IIIEllen J. Kullman 

 

56Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement59
 

 

Compensation Tables

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

Year Salary ($) Bonus ($)(1)  Stock
Awards ($)
(2)  Option
Awards ($)
(3)  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(4)  Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
(5)  All Other
Compensation
($)
(6)  Total ($) Total Without
Change in
Pension
Value ($)
 Salary ($) Bonus ($)(1) Stock
Awards ($)
(2) Option
Awards ($)
(3) Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
 Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)
(4) All Other
Compensation
($)
(5) Total ($) Total Without
Change in
Pension
Value ($)
GREGORY HAYESPresident and Chief Executive Officer         
GREGORY HAYESChairman & Chief Executive OfficerGREGORY HAYESChairman & Chief Executive Officer    
2016 $1,450,000 $3,000,000  $4,960,217  $3,706,560  $0 $2,392,716(6) $321,842  $15,831,335 $13,448,390
2015 $1,300,000 $850,000  $4,752,443  $3,280,210  $0  $230,673  $354,502  $10,767,828 $10,547,063 $1,300,000 $850,000  $4,752,443  $3,280,210  $0 $230,673  $354,502  $10,767,828 $10,547,063
2014 $949,583 $1,600,000  $2,332,626  $2,029,885  $54,280  $1,825,890  $193,910  $8,986,174 $7,169,083 $949,583 $1,600,000  $2,332,626  $2,029,885  $54,280 $1,825,890  $193,910  $8,986,174 $7,169,083
2013 $870,000 $1,100,000  $2,401,885  $2,029,790  $307,972  $714,459  $206,967  $7,631,073 $6,924,841
AKHIL JOHRIExecutive Vice President & Chief Financial OfficerAKHIL JOHRIExecutive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer        AKHIL JOHRIExecutive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer        
2016 $766,667 $1,100,000  $1,609,731  $1,207,440  $0 $151,840  $259,356  $5,095,034 $4,943,194
2015 $700,000 $1,040,000(7) $6,770,654  $3,470,482  $0  $1,174  $386,405  $12,368,715 $12,367,541 $700,000 $1,040,000  $6,770,654  $3,470,482  $0 $1,174  $386,405  $12,368,715 $12,367,541
GERAUD DARNISPresident & Chief Executive Officer, UTC Building & Industrial Systems(8)     
2015 $1,087,500 $710,000  $2,646,930  $1,823,440  $0  $7,916,196(9) $225,592  $14,409,658 $6,493,462
2014 $1,037,500 $1,200,000  $2,257,380  $5,897,475  $177,000  $2,340,071  $200,843  $13,110,269 $10,770,198
2013 $982,500 $1,100,000  $2,374,383  $2,001,335  $548,140  $670,607  $253,504  $7,930,469 $7,259,862
PAUL ADAMSPresident, Pratt & Whitney(8)           
2015 $608,172 $450,000  $2,480,720  $1,020,730  $0  $512,146(9) $140,341  $5,212,109 $4,699,963
CHARLES GILL, JR.Executive Vice President & General Counsel       
2015 $715,000 $375,000  $1,852,851  $1,278,390  $0  $90,103  $154,811  $4,466,155 $4,376,052
2014 $676,250 $750,000  $1,655,412  $1,433,695  $0  $1,833,339  $146,588  $6,495,284 $4,661,945
ALAIN BELLEMAREFormer President & Chief Executive Officer, UTC Propulsion & Aerospace Systems(8)     
2015 $75,000 $0  $1,852,851  $1,278,390  $0  $1,854,613(9) $2,506,739  $7,567,593 $5,712,980
2014 $881,250 $1,000,000  $2,257,380  $1,958,910  $0  $1,663,495  $220,646  $7,981,681 $6,318,186
2013 $816,667 $1,050,000  $2,264,373  $1,906,485  $68,480  $408,341  $228,691  $6,743,037 $6,334,696
ROBERT MCDONOUGHPresident, UTC Climate, Controls & SecurityROBERT MCDONOUGHPresident, UTC Climate, Controls & Security      
2016 $806,250 $1,100,000  $2,470,750  $1,853,280  $0 $149,742  $136,899  $6,516,921 $6,367,179
PHILIPPE DELPECHPresident, Otis Elevator(7)PHILIPPE DELPECHPresident, Otis Elevator(7)        
2016 $790,245 $850,000  $2,470,750  $1,853,280  $0 $0  $461,607  $6,425,882 $6,425,882
ROBERT LEDUCPresident, Pratt & WhitneyROBERT LEDUCPresident, Pratt & Whitney        
2016 $665,057 $600,000  $2,829,436  $1,107,040  $0 $350,287  $112,104  $5,663,924 $5,313,637

 

(1)(1)Bonus. Cash bonuses are provided under the UTC Annual Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. Payments are primarily based on measured performance against pre-established targets. However, the Committee retains discretion to adjust annual bonus amounts.amounts based on its assessment of overall performance. Consequently, we report annual bonuses in the Bonus column of the Summary Compensation Table rather than in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column.
  
(2)Stock Awards.Awards. Grant date fair value of PSUs and RSUs issued under the LTIP, calculated in accordance with the Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, but excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The assumptions made in calculating the fair value of these awards are set forth in Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 20152016 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“20152016 Form 10-K”). PSU awards are discussed in the CD&A and in footnote (2) to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table on page 5962 of this Proxy Statement. The grant date fair values shown for PSU awards granted to our NEOs assume target-level performance. If the highest level of performance is achieved, the grant date fair values would be: Mr. Hayes, $6,886,035;$8,225,017; Mr. Johri, $1,691,001;$2,669,251; Mr. Darnis, $3,835,260;McDonough, $4,096,990; Mr. Adams, $2,144,259; Mr. Gill, $2,684,682Delpech, $4,096,990; and Mr. Bellemare, $2,684,682. For Mr Johri, amountsLeduc, $2,450,483. Amounts shown for Mr. Leduc include a special RSU award and an ELG RSU award granted upon his appointment to the ELG, both as an offset to awards Mr. Johri forfeited from his former employer. Amounts for Mr. Adams include a special RSU award granted in recognition of the GTF engine receiving FAA and EASA certification.ELG.
  
(3)Option Awards. Grant date fair value of SARs or stock options granted under the LTIP, calculated in accordance with the Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, but excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The assumptions made in the valuation of these awards are set forth in Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 20152016 Form 10-K. ForAll NEOs received SARs, except Mr. Johri, amounts shown include a SAR award granted as an offset to awards Mr. Johri forfeited from his former employer.Delpech who received stock options in lieu of SARs.
  
(4)Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. Quarterly cash dividend payments received in 2014 and 2013, pursuant to awards earned in prior years under the Continuous Improvement Incentive Program, a legacy long-term incentive plan. The last awards under this program were granted in 2005 and expired on December 31, 2014. Under this program, an executive could earn (depending on performance relative to pre-established three-year targets) the right to receive up to seven years of quarterly cash dividend equivalent payments equal to the dividend paid on the number of shares of Common Stock underlying certain unexercised stock options previously granted to the executive.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners57

COMPENSATION TABLES

(5)Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings.Earnings. Amounts in this column reflect the increase during 20152016 in the actuarial present value of each executive’s accrued benefit under UTC’s defined benefit plans. Actuarial value computations are based on the assumptions established in accordance with the Compensation–Retirement Benefits Topic of the FASB ASC and discussed in Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 20152016 Form 10-K. UTC does not provide above-marketAbove-market rates of return (defined by SEC rules as a rate that exceeds 120% of the federal long-term rate)are not provided under the UTC Deferred Compensation Plan.UTC’s deferred compensation plans. However, an above-market interest rate is paid under the frozen Sundstrand Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, which was assumed by UTC upon the acquisition of Sundstrand in 1999. Mr. Hayes accrued $9,908$9,771 in above-market earnings under this plan in 2015.2016.

60
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

(6)(5)All Other Compensation.Compensation. The 20152016 amounts in this column consist of the following items:

 

Name Personal Use
of Corporate
Aircraft
(a) Leased
Vehicle
Payments
(b) Insurance
Premiums
(c) 401(k) Plan
Company
Contributions
(d) Company
Contributions
to Deferred
Compensation
Plans
(e) Severance(f) Relocation(g) Miscellaneous(h) Total
G. Hayes $78,179  $21,551  $143,741  $9,540  $94,860  $0  $0  $6,631  $354,502
A. Johri $0  $17,884  $117,597  $22,373  $25,667  $0  $202,027  $857  $386,405
G. Darnis $0  $53,325  $68,068  $9,540  $89,302  $0  $0  $5,357  $225,592
P. Adams $0  $29,027  $63,663  $9,540  $35,754  $0  $0  $2,357  $140,341
C. Gill, Jr. $0  $39,157  $57,557  $9,540  $43,200  $0  $0  $5,357  $154,811
A. Bellemare $0  $7,159  $0  $2,700  $0  $2,492,288  $0  $4,592  $2,506,739
Name Personal Use
of Corporate
Aircraft
(a) Leased
Vehicle
Payments
(b) Insurance
Premiums
(c) 401(k) Plan
Company
Contributions
(d) Company
Contributions
to Retirement
Plans
(e) Relocation
Benefits
(f) Financial
Planning
(g) International
Assignment
(h) Miscellaneous(i) Total
G. Hayes $60,042  $26,904  $143,741  $9,540  $73,260  $0  $7,408  $0  $947 $321,842
A. Johri $0  $18,832  $115,880  $24,036  $79,800  $0  $15,474  $0  $5,334 $259,356
R. McDonough $0  $30,438  $74,879  $0  $0  $31,500  $0  $0  $82 $136,899
P. Delpech $0  $38,948  $16,958  $0  $138,227  $13,170  $0  $254,222  $82 $461,607
R. Leduc $0  $25,617  $0  $24,115  $57,038  $0  $0  $0  $5,334 $112,104

 

 (a)Incremental variable operating costs incurred for personal travel, which includes fuel (calculated on the basis of aircraft-specific average consumption rates and fleet average fuel costs), fleet average landing and handling fees, additional crew lodging and meal allowances, catering and hourly maintenance contract charges, when applicable. Because fleet-wide aircraft utilization is primarily for business purposes (i.e., approximately 99% in 2015)2016), capital and other fixed expenditures are not treated as variable operating costs relative to personal use. Mr. Hayes may use the Corporate aircraftThe amount shown includes $1,465 for uptravel to 50 hours per year. Personal use of the Corporate aircraft by Mr. Hayes aligns with our security policy, and the Committee believes that it optimizes the most efficient use of his time. No other executives are permitted to use the Corporate aircraft for personal travel.outside board meetings.
   
 (b)Annual costs associated with a leased vehicle paid by UTC on behalf of the executive.
   
 (c)Premium paid on behalf of the executive under the ELG life insurance program. Under this program, UTC pays the premiums on a permanent cash value life insurance contract owned by the executive. Life insurance benefits equal up to three times the executive’s actual or projected base salary at age 62. IfOnce vested (age 55 or older with three years of service as an ELG member), UTC funds the policy to maintain coverage following retirement. This benefit was eliminated for ELG members appointed after January 31, 2015.2015, including Mr. Leduc. The ELG life insurance benefit is a U.S.-based benefit for which Mr. Delpech is not eligible. The value shown for him reflects premiums paid for life and disability insurance in Belgium.
   
 (d)Dollar value of Company stock matching contributions under the UTC 401(k) Savings Plan. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2010, including Mr.Messrs. Johri receiveand Leduc, received an additional age-based Company automatic contribution to the UTC 401(k) Savings Plan in lieu of participation in the UTC Employee Retirement Plan.
   
 (e)Dollar value of Company contributions to the UTC Savings Restoration Plan (“SRP”) and the Company Automatic Contribution Excess Plan (“CACEP”). Under the SRP, participants are credited with a benefit equal to the UTC matching contribution that the executive did not receive under the UTC 401(k) Savings Plan due to Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) limits. For executives hired on or after January 1, 2010, including Mr.Messrs. Johri and Leduc, the CACEP provides an additional age-based Company automatic contribution for compensation earned over IRC limits. Amounts shown in this column for Mr. Darnis include a SRP match make-up for 2015, credited to his UTC Deferred Compensation Plan account, as detailed in footnote (6) of the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table on page 65. Details on theseour non-qualified deferred compensation plans, which include the SRP and CACEP, are also provided on pages 65 and 6668-69 of this Proxy Statement. Mr. Delpech does not participate in these U.S.-based deferred compensation plans. The value shown for him reflects premium payments to an individual retirement insurance contract maintained on his behalf in Belgium.
   
 (f)ELG cash severance payment (including interest earned during the payment deferral period at a rate of 3.5%)Payments associated with Messrs. McDonough and a $200,000,18-month consulting arrangement, which UTC entered into with Mr. Bellemare following his retirement on January 31, 2015. Mr. Bellemare’s consulting agreement assured post-employment availability to advise on certain matters related to the Company’s aerospace businesses.Delpech’s relocations.
   
 (g)Costs associated with Mr. Johri’s relocation include temporary living expenses for him and his family, home sale and purchase closing costs, shipment of personal property and moving-related tax assistance.a financial planning benefit available to ELG members.
   
 (h)Certain compensation elements for Mr. Delpech, who is based in Belgium, are provided in accordance with his local contract and international assignment package. Individual contracts for senior executives are customary in European countries where compensation practices differ from the U.S. The amount shown for Mr. Delpech includes the following items, as required by his contract: $123,458 for housing and utilities; $38,508 for a child education allowance; $63,312 for a driver; and $28,944 for tax planning services.
(i)Costs associated with annual executive physicals and other incidental benefits.

(7)Includes a cash sign-on bonus
(6)The increase in the present value of $665,000 madepension benefits during 2016 is mainly attributable to offset compensation forfeited from Mr. Johri’s former employer.Hayes becoming eligible to receive an unreduced retirement benefit at age 62 under UTC’s pension plans.
  
(8)Messrs. Bellemare, Darnis and Adams retired from the Company effective January 31, 2015, January 31, 2016 and February 29, 2016, respectively.
 
(9)(7)Different assumptionsAll values shown for active and retired plan participants are required underMr. Delpech have been converted to U.S. dollars based on the non-qualified UTC Pension Preservation Plan. In this case, early retirement prioreuro to age 62 resulted in an increase in the estimated present valueU.S. dollar conversion rate of the accrued benefit.1.05356 as of December 31, 2016.

 

58Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement61
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

  Estimated Future Payouts under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)
 All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares of
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
  Exercise or
Base Price of
Option Awards
  Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
 
Grant Date(1) Threshold (#) Target (#) Maximum (#) Stock or Units (#)  Options (#)(3)  ($/Sh)(4)  Awards ($)(5) 
G. Hayes                  
1/2/2015 19,750 39,500 79,000       $4,752,443 
1/2/2015      165,500  $115.04  $3,280,210 
A. Johri                  
1/2/2015 4,850 9,700 19,400       $1,167,056 
1/2/2015      40,500  $115.04  $802,710 
1/2/2015      134,600(7)  $115.04  $2,667,772 
1/2/2015    12,200(6)      $1,403,488 
1/2/2015    36,510(7)      $4,200,110 
G. Darnis                  
1/2/2015 11,000 22,000 44,000       $2,646,930 
1/2/2015      92,000  $115.04  $1,823,440 
P. Adams                  
1/2/2015 6,150 12,300 24,600       $1,479,875 
1/2/2015      51,500  $115.04  $1,020,730 
12/1/2015    10,350(8)      $1,000,845 
C. Gill, Jr.                  
1/2/2015 7,700 15,400 30,800       $1,852,851 
1/2/2015      64,500  $115.04  $1,278,390 
A. Bellemare                  
1/2/2015 7,700 15,400 30,800       $1,852,851 
1/2/2015      64,500  $115.04  $1,278,390 
  



Estimated Future Payouts under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)
 All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or Units (#)
 All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options (#)
(3) Exercise or
Base Price of
Option Awards
($/Sh)
(4) Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards ($)
(5)
Grant Date(1) Threshold (#) Target (#) Maximum (#)    
G. Hayes              
1/4/2016 22,525 53,000 106,000      $4,960,217 
1/4/2016     264,000  $95.57  $3,706,560 
                 
A. Johri                
1/4/2016 7,310 17,200 34,400      $1,609,731 
1/4/2016     86,000  $95.57  $1,207,440 
                
R. McDonough               
1/4/2016 11,220 26,400 52,800      $2,470,750 
1/4/2016     132,000  $95.57  $1,853,280 
                
P. Delpech               
1/4/2016 11,220 26,400 52,800      $2,470,750 
1/4/2016     132,000  $95.57  $1,853,280 
                
R. Leduc               
1/15/2016 7,480 17,600 35,200      $1,479,051 
1/15/2016     88,000  $85.63  $1,107,040 
1/15/2016(6)    15,770     $1,350,385 

 

(1)The Committee approves annual long-term incentive awards for the following year at its December meeting.meeting prior to the beginning of the year. The Committee specifies the first business day of the calendar year as the award grant date to coincide with calendar year-basedyear based performance measurement periods. The grant date of Mr. Leduc’s annual LTI award was January 15, 2016, the date he was rehired by UTC.
  
(2)Number of PSUs granted under the LTIP, which are subject to vesting based on performance relative to three-year performance targets.EPS growth and ROIC targets (each weighted at 35%) and a cumulative three-year relative TSR target (weighted at 30%). Each PSU corresponds to one share of Common Stock. 50%Vesting ranges from a threshold payout of the PSU award vests subject42.5% of target to a three-year EPS growth target and 50% vests subject tomaximum payout of 200%. Below threshold-level performance will result in a cumulative three-year relative TSRpayout of 0% of target. The vesting range is between 50% and 200% of the target vesting level. Unvested PSUs do not receiveaccrue dividend equivalent payments.equivalents. Vested PSUs are settled in unrestricted shares of Common Stock at the end of the performance period following the Committee’s review and approval of performance achievement levels. PSUs held for at least one year as of the date of qualifying retirement or upon disability remain eligible to vest at the end of the three-year performance period. Post-employment service as a consultant is recognized under the LTIP for these purposes. Upon death or a change-in-control, PSUs will vest at target-level performance. PSUs are otherwise forfeited upon termination of employment before the end of the performance period.
  
(3)Number of SARs (or stock options in the case of Mr. Delpech) granted on January 2, 2015during 2016 that become exercisable after three years of service from the grant date, or earlier in the case of qualifying retirement (provided the SARsawards have been held for at least one year from the grant date), death or a change-in-control. Post-employment service is recognized in the case of disabilitySARs and as a consultant under the LTIP for these purposes. SARsstock options are otherwise forfeited upon termination of employment before the end of the vesting period.
  
(4)The exerciseExercise price isof SAR and stock option awards are equal to the NYSE closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on the grant date.
  
(5)Grant date fair value of equity awards granted in 20152016, with vesting assumed at 100% of target for performance-based awards. Awards are calculated in accordance with the Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic of the FASB ASC, but excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. On December 14, 2016, the Committee approved a change to the TSR portion of the 2016 PSU award, reducing the threshold-level payout from 50% to 25% of target if UTC’s TSR performance equals the 25thpercentile rank relative to the S&P 500 over the three-year performance period.
  
(6)ELG RSU award granted to Mr. JohriLeduc upon his appointment to the ELG. This award will vest in the event of a mutually agreeable separation following three years of ELG service, upon death or a change-in-control. ELG RSUs accumulate dividend equivalents that are reinvested as additional RSUs during the vesting period. Vested ELG RSUs are settled in shares of Common Stock.
(7)Consists of supplemental RSU and SAR awards granted to Mr. Johri to offset compensation he forfeited from his former employer. RSU awards accumulate dividend equivalents during the vesting period that are reinvested as additional RSUs. These awards vest three years from the grant date.
(8)Special RSU award granted to Mr. Adams in recognition of the certification by the FAA and the EASA of the PurePower PW1000G engine with Geared Turbofan technology. This award will vest on February 28, 2017, contingent on Mr. Adams’ consulting agreement remaining in effect through this date. Special RSU awards accumulate dividend equivalents during the vesting period that are reinvested as additional RSUs.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners59

COMPENSATION TABLES

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

  Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
(1)  Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
  Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)
(2) Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
(3) Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(4)
G. Hayes  165,500(5)   $115.04  1/1/2025     39,500  $3,794,765(8)
   71,500(6)   $112.49  1/1/2024     18,600  $1,786,902(9)
   107,000(7)   $84.00  1/1/2023     11,528  $1,107,495(10)
  122,000     $74.66  1/2/2022        
  103,000     $78.99  1/2/2021        
  86,000     $71.63  1/3/2020        
  90,000     $70.81  4/8/2018        
  54,500     $75.21  1/1/2018        
  55,500     $62.81  1/2/2017        
A. Johri  134,600(11)   $115.04  1/1/2025 37,421(11) $3,595,035     
   40,500(5)   $115.04  1/1/2025     9,700  $931,879(8)
          12,504(12) $1,201,259     
  30,500     $74.66  1/2/2022        
  22,500     $78.99  1/2/2021        
  14,500     $71.63  1/3/2020        
  21,900     $54.95  1/1/2019        
  13,600     $75.21  1/1/2018        
G. Darnis  92,000(5)   $115.04  1/1/2025     22,000  $2,113,540(8)
   69,000(6)   $112.49  1/1/2024     18,000  $1,729,260(9)
  65,608(13)  69,500(13) $112.49  1/1/2024        
   105,500(7)   $84.00  1/1/2023     11,396  $1,094,814(10) 
  114,500     $74.66  1/2/2022        
  88,500     $78.99  1/2/2021        
  85,500     $71.63  1/3/2020        
  142,500     $54.95  1/1/2019        
  120,000     $70.81  4/8/2018        
  95,000     $75.21  1/1/2018        
  102,000     $62.81  1/2/2017        

6062
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

  Option Awards Stock Awards 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
 Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
 Option
Exercise
Price ($)(1)
 Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
 Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)(2)
 

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:

Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)(3)

 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(4) 
G. Hayes  264,000(5)  $ 95.57 1/3/2026   106,000 $ 11,619,720(8)
   165,500(6)  $ 115.04 1/1/2025   19,750 $ 2,164,995(9)
   71,500(7)  $ 112.49 1/1/2024    (10)
  107,000   $ 84.00 1/1/2023     
  122,000   $ 74.66 1/2/2022     
  103,000   $ 78.99 1/2/2021     
  86,000   $ 71.63 1/3/2020     
  54,500   $ 75.21 1/1/2018     
                    
A. Johri  86,000(5)  $ 95.57 1/3/2026   34,400 $ 3,770,928(8)
   134,600(11)  $ 115.04 1/1/2025 38,382(11) $ 4,207,435   
   40,500(6)  $ 115.04 1/1/2025   4,850 $ 531,657(9)
       12,825(12) $ 1,405,877   
  30,500   $ 74.66 1/2/2022     
  22,500   $ 78.99 1/2/2021     
  14,500   $ 71.63 1/3/2020     
  21,900   $ 54.95 1/1/2019     
  6,800   $ 75.21 1/1/2018     
                    
R. McDonough  132,000(5)  $ 95.57 1/3/2026   52,800 $ 5,787,936(8)
   50,500(6)  $ 115.04 1/1/2025   6,050 $ 663,201(9)
   35,000(7)  $ 112.49 1/1/2024    (10)
  32,804  34,750(13) $ 112.49 1/1/2024     
       11,993(14) $ 1,314,673   
  38,000   $ 84.00 1/1/2023     
  28,000   $ 74.66 1/2/2022     
       12,825(12) $ 1,405,877   
  20,900   $ 78.99 1/2/2021     
  18,900   $ 71.63 1/3/2020     
  20,000   $ 54.95 1/1/2019     

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement63

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END (CONTINUED)

 

  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price ($)
(1)  Option
Expiration
Date
 Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
  Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)
(2)  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:

Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
(3)  Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:

Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(4) 
P. Adams         10,350(15)  $994,325     
   51,500(5)    $115.04  1/1/2025     12,300  $1,181,661(8)
   33,500(6)    $112.49  1/1/2024     8,700  $835,809(9) 
   33,000(7)    $84.00  1/1/2023     3,520  $338,166(10) 
  37,946   38,720(14)  $79.06  10/31/2022        
  25,500     $74.66  1/2/2022        
  18,500     $78.99  1/2/2021        
  16,000     $71.63  1/3/2020        
          12,926(12)  $1,241,801     
  22,000     $54.95  1/1/2019        
  11,300     $75.21  1/1/2018        
  11,400     $62.81  1/2/2017        
C. Gill, Jr.  64,500(5)    $115.04  1/1/2025     15,400  $1,479,478(8) 
   50,500(6)    $112.49  1/1/2024     13,200  $1,268,124(9) 
   73,000(7)    $84.00  1/1/2023     7,876  $756,647(10) 
  75,500     $74.66  1/2/2022        
  66,500     $78.99  1/2/2021        
  60,500     $71.63  1/3/2020        
  74,500     $54.95  1/1/2019        
  90,000     $70.81  4/8/2018        
  43,500     $75.21  1/1/2018        
          10,370(12)  $996,246     
  23,300     $62.81  1/2/2017        
A. Bellemare  64,500(5)    $115.04  1/1/2025     15,400  $1,479,478(8) 
   69,000(6)    $112.49  1/1/2024     18,000  $1,729,260(9) 
   100,500(7)    $84.00  1/1/2023     10,868  $1,044,089(10) 
  99,906     $74.79  7/31/2022        
  59,000     $78.99  1/2/2021        
  Option Awards Stock Awards
                            
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options (#)
  Option
Exercise
Price($)
(1) Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested (#)
  Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested ($)
(2) Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested (#)
(3) Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested ($)
(4)
                            
P. Delpech   132,000(5)   $95.57  1/3/2026      52,800  $ 5,787,936(8)
    50,500(6)   $115.04  1/1/2025      6,050  $ 663,201(9)
    35,000(7)   $112.49  1/1/2024        (10)
  32,804    34,750(13) $112.49  1/1/2024         
            21,451(12) $2,351,459     
            11,444(14) $1,254,491     
  25,500      $84.00  1/1/2023         
                            
R. Leduc   88,000(5)   $85.63  1/14/2026  16,175(12) $1,773,104  35,200  $ 3,858,624(8)
    54,200(15)   $115.92  3/31/2025  4,516(15) $495,044     
  23,000      $84.00  1/1/2023         
  25,500      $74.66  1/2/2022         
  26,000      $78.99  1/2/2021         

 

(1)The exercise price of each SAR (or stock option in the case of Mr. Delpech) is equal to the NYSE closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on the grant date.
  
(2)Calculated by multiplying the number of unvested RSUs by $96.07,$109.62, the NYSE closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on December 31, 2015.the last trading day of 2016.
  
(3)The number of shares shown for PSUs granted in 20142016 and 2015 assume target-level TSRmaximum- and EPS performance; actualthreshold-level performance, respectively, based on vesting estimates as of December 31, 2016. Actual payouts for these PSUs will be based on actual performance at the end of the three-year performance periods. The number of sharesNo value is shown for PSUs grantedthe 2014 PSU awards because Company performance was below threshold resulting in 2013 reflect actual performance.0% vesting.
  
(4)Calculated by multiplying the number of unvested 20142015 and 2015 PSUs and vested 20132016 PSUs by $96.07,$109.62, the NYSE closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on December 31, 2015.the last trading day of 2016. No value is shown for the 2014 PSU awards because Company performance was below threshold resulting in 0% vesting.
  
(5)SARs (or stock options in the case of Mr. Delpech) scheduled to vest on January 2, 2018,4, 2019 (and for Mr. Leduc on January 15, 2019), subject to the executive’s continued employment, except in the event of death, change-in-control or qualifying retirement occurring at least one year from the date of grant and for Messrs. Bellemare, Darnis and Adams on the expiration of their post-employment consulting relationships.grant.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners61
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

(6)SARs (or stock options in the case of Mr. Delpech) scheduled to vest on January 2, 2017,2018, subject to the executive’s continued employment, except in the event of death, change-in-control or qualifying retirement occurring at least one year from the date of grant.
  
(7)SARs (or stock options in the case of Mr. Delpech) that vested on January 2, 2016.2017.
  
(8)PSUs that are subject to performance-based vesting contingent on Company performance measured relative to targets measured over a three-year period ending on December 31, 2018 and the executive’s continued employment (except in cases of qualifying retirement, disability, death or change-in-control). Amounts shown reflect maximum-level performance, based on vesting estimates as of December 31, 2016.
(9)PSUs that are subject to performance-based vesting contingent on Company performance relative to targets measured over a three-year period ending on December 31, 2017 and the executive’s continued employment (except in cases of qualifying retirement, disability, death change-in-control or post-employment consulting relationships)change-in-control).
(9)PSUs that are subject to performance-based Amounts shown reflect threshold-level performance, based on vesting contingent on Company performance measured relative to targets over a three-year period ending onestimates as of December 31, 2016, and the executive’s continued employment (except in cases of qualifying retirement, disability, death, change-in-control or post-employment consulting relationships).2016.
  
(10)PSUs for which the service condition was satisfied on January 2, 2016. The number of PSUs shown reflects the Committee’s approval of 44%2017. Awards did not vest due to below threshold-level performance achieved by the Company, relative to pre-established targets over the three-year performance period, as discussed on page 41.44.
  
(11)RSUSAR and SARRSU awards granted to Mr. Johri to offset the value of compensation forfeited compensationupon departure from his former employer. Awards vest three years from the grant date, subject to continued service with the Company, upon death or a change-in-control. These RSU awards accumulate dividend equivalents during the vesting period that are reinvested asin additional RSUs. These awards vest three years from the grant date.
  
(12)Number of ELG RSUs granted to Messrs. Johri, Adams and Gill upon appointment to the ELG. Mr. Johri’s award willAwards vest in the event of a mutually agreeable separation following three years of ELG service.service, upon death or a change-in-control. For Mr. Gill’s award will vest upon aMcDonough, mutually agreeable separation must also occur on or after age 62. Mr. Adams did not vest in his award upon termination of employment.62. ELG RSUs accumulate dividend equivalents that are reinvested asin additional RSUs during the vesting period.
  
(13)SARs granted on January 2, 2014 to Mr. Darnis, ofMessrs. McDonough and Delpech which 50% vested at 94.4% basedvest contingent on performance through December 31, 20152017, relative to pre-established performance targets related to our commercial businesses. The remaining 50% of this award was cancelledbusinesses or upon Mr. Darnis’ retirement.death or a change-in-control.

64
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

(14)SARs granted on November 1, 2012 to Mr. Adams which will vest based on performance through December 31, 2016 relative to pre-established performance targets related to our aerospace businesses and continuation of Mr. Adams’ consulting relationship through this date.
(15)RSUsRetention RSU awards granted to Mr. Adams in recognition for the FAAMessrs. McDonough and EASA certification of the GTF engine. RSUs willDelpech which vest on February 28,May 1, 2017 and July 1, 2017, respectively, contingent on continued service with the continuation of Mr. Adams’ consulting relationshipCompany through this date. RSUsthe vesting date, upon death or a change-in-control. These RSU awards accumulate dividend equivalents during the vesting period that are reinvested asin additional RSUs.
(15)SAR and RSU awards granted to Mr. Leduc upon rehire, which will vest contingent on continued service with the Company through April 1, 2018, upon death or a change-in-control. These RSU awards accumulate dividend equivalents during the vesting period that are reinvested in additional RSUs.

 

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
(1) Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
(2) Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)
(3)  Value Realized
on Vesting ($)
(4) 
G. Hayes     29,070  $3,468,632 
A. Johri     7,290  $869,843 
G. Darnis 301,500  $19,184,828  27,270(5)  $3,253,856(5) 
P. Adams     6,120  $730,238 
C. Gill, Jr.     18,000  $2,147,760 
A. Bellemare 361,000  $19,151,496  27,270  $3,253,856 
  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
(1) Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
(2) Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting (#)
(3) Value Realized
on Vesting ($)
(4)
G. Hayes 145,500  $5,610,687  11,528  $1,002,475 
A. Johri 6,800  $229,923     
R. McDonough     4,092  $355,840 
P. Delpech 40,800  $1,326,282  2,728  $237,227 
R. Leduc     2,464  $214,269 

 

(1)SAR awardsSARs (or stock options in the case of Mr. Delpech) exercised in 2015.2016.
  
(2)Calculated by multiplying the number of shares acquired upon exercise by the difference between the exercise price and the market price of ourUTC Common Stock on the exercise date.date and the exercise price of the award.
  
(3)PSUs that converted to shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis upon vesting in 2015.2016.
  
(4)Calculated by multiplying the number of vested PSUs by the market price of ourUTC Common Stock on the vesting date.
(5)Mr. Darnis elected to defer the receipt of his vested 2012 PSU under the PSU Deferral Plan, as shown on page 65.

 

62Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement65
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

PENSION BENEFITS

 

    Number of  Present Value of  Payments 
    Years of Credited  Accumulated  During Last 
Name Plan Name Service (#)  Benefit ($)(1) Fiscal Year ($) 
G. Hayes UTC Employee Retirement Plan 26  $996,843   
  UTC Pension Preservation Plan 26  $6,416,128   
  Total    $7,412,971   
A. Johri(2) UTC Employee Retirement Plan 15  $709,323   
  UTC Pension Preservation Plan 15  $1,450,976   
  Total    $2,160,299   
G. Darnis UTC Employee Retirement Plan 32  $1,372,319   
  UTC Pension Preservation Plan 32  $18,162,551   
  Total    $19,534,870   
P. Adams UTC Employee Retirement Plan 16  $752,903   
  UTC Pension Preservation Plan 16  $2,388,607   
  Total    $3,141,510   
C. Gill, Jr. UTC Employee Retirement Plan 21  $868,591   
  UTC Pension Preservation Plan 21  $3,796,841   
  Total    $4,665,432   
A. Bellemare UTC Employee Retirement Plan 8  $405,867   
  UTC Pension Preservation Plan 8  $3,287,423   
  Pratt & Whitney Canada Salaried and Executive Employee Pension Plans 10    $3,155,901(3)
  Total    $3,693,290  $3,155,901 
Name Plan Name Number of
Years of Credited
Service (#)
  Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($)
(1) Payments
During Last
Fiscal Year ($)
 
G. Hayes UTC Employee Retirement Plan 27  $1,331,379   
 UTC Pension Preservation Plan 27  $8,464,537   
 Total    $9,795,916   
A. Johri(2) UTC Employee Retirement Plan 15  $770,675   
 UTC Pension Preservation Plan 15  $1,541,464   
 Total    $2,312,139   
R. McDonough UTC Employee Retirement Plan 9  $229,958   
 UTC Pension Preservation Plan 9  $627,970   
 Total    $857,928   
P. Delpech(3)       
R. Leduc(2) UTC Employee Retirement Plan 36  $1,763,890  $103,158 
 UTC Pension Preservation Plan 36  $3,767,162  $459,544 
 Total    $5,531,052  $562,702 

 

(1)The presentPresent value calculationof the accumulated benefit is based oncalculated using a 4.28%4.01% discount rate, a 4.00% long-term interest rate for lump-sum determinations under the UTC Pension Preservation Plan (“PPP”), and other assumptions for U.S. plans, as described in the pension expense assumptions of Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 20152016 Form 10-K. Amounts are calculated based on an assumed benefit commencement date at the earliest date the participant can retire without a reduction of benefits due to age or the actual retirement date, if known. The assumedUnless the NEOs elected another form of benefit payment, is:the amounts shown assume the following form of payment: (i) a monthly life annuity for benefits earned under the Final Average Earningsfinal average earnings (“FAE”) formula inof the UTC Employee Retirement Plan; (ii) a lump-sum payment for benefits earned under the cash balance benefit underformula of the UTC Employee Retirement Plan; and (iii) a lump-sum payment for benefits accrued under the PPP (except for the FAE benefit for Mr. Adams, which is assumed to be paid as a monthly annuity as per his election, and the cash balance benefit for Mr. Bellemare, which is assumed to be paid as a 9-year installment benefit, as per his election).PPP.
  
(2)Mr.Messrs. Johri wasand Leduc were first employed by UTC in November 1986 and June 1978, respectively. Both accrued pension benefits under the final average earningsFAE formula of the UTC Employee Retirement Plan and the UTC Pension Preservation PlanPPP until hethey separated from service in April 2013. When re-employed on January 1, 2015,UTC service. Mr. Leduc was eligible for early retirement upon separation, and therefore, began receiving benefit payments under both plans which continue to be made. Mr. Johri was not eligible for early retirement upon his separation and must wait until subsequent separation of employment to resume participationcommence his previously accrued benefit. Upon re-employment, Messrs. Johri and Leduc were no longer eligible to accrue additional benefits in UTC’s pension plans and therefore, accrues no cash balance benefit under these plans. Instead, Mr. Johri is providedinstead receive age-based Company automatic contributions to histheir UTC 401(k) Savings Plan and Company Automatic Contribution Excess Plan (“CACEP”) accounts, asaccounts. These plans are described more fullyin detail on page 65.45.
  
(3)Lump-sum distributionMr. Delpech does not participate in Company-funded, U.S.-based pension benefit plans. For more details on Mr. Delpech’s Company-funded Belgian retirement insurance contract, refer to footnote (5)(e) of accrued benefits under the Pratt & Whitney Canada Salaried and Executive Employee Pension Plans. Mr. Bellemare received a distributionSummary Compensation Table on page 61. As of thisDecember 31, 2016, the accrued benefit as a result of hison Mr. Delpech’s retirement from UTC on January 31, 2015.insurance contract was $423,035.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners

63

COMPENSATION TABLES

UTC Employee Retirement Plan and UTC Pension Preservation Plan

 

EmployeesSalaried employees hired before January 1, 2010 are eligible to participate in the UTC Employee Retirement Plan and the UTC Pension Preservation Plan (“PPP”).

 

Plan Description.The UTC Employee Retirement Plan is a tax-qualified plan subject to Internal Revenue Code provisions that, as of December 31, 2015,2016, limit recognized annual compensation to $265,000 and annual retirement benefits to $210,000.

 

The PPP is an unfunded, non-qualified retirement plan utilizing the same benefit formula, compensation recognition, retirement eligibility and vesting provisions as the tax-qualified UTC Employee Retirement Plan. The PPP provides benefits not accrued under the qualified plan due to the Internal Revenue Code limitations on annual compensation recognition and retirement benefit amounts.amounts referenced above.

 

Changes from Final Average Earnings Formula to Cash BalancePension Benefit Formula.Through the end of 2014, both of these pension plans used a traditional final average earnings (“FAE”) retirement benefit formula.formula for salaried employees hired prior to July 1, 2002. Under this formula, the plans provideprovided an annual benefit equal to 2% of the executive’s earnings (defined below)on the following page) for each year

66

COMPENSATION TABLES

of service up to a maximum of twenty years, plus 1% of earnings for each year of service thereafter, minus 1.5% of the executive’s Social Security benefits for each year of service (up to a maximum of 50% of the annual Social Security benefit). Earnings recognized under this formula consistconsisted of the highest average annual base salary and annual performance bonus received over any consecutive five calendar-year period ending on or before December 31, 2014. The FAE formula doesdid not recognize long-term incentive compensation earnings.

 

Effective December 31, 2014, the FAE formula was replaced prospectively by a cash balance formula. The cash balance formula credits ana participant’s account with amounts that grow each month with two types of credits—pay credits and interest credits. Pay credits range from 3% to 8% of base salary and annual performance bonus, depending on the participant’s age. Interest credits are based on 30-year U.S. Treasury Bond yields and are subject to annual adjustments, but cannot fall below 3.8%. Employees hired on or after July 1, 2002, but prior to January 1, 2010, including Mr. McDonough, participate under this same cash balance formula for all of their years of service.

 

Distribution Options.Lump-sum and annuity distribution options are available for amounts credited under these plans, except for benefits accrued under the FAE formula of the tax-qualified pension plan, which may only be distributed as an annuity.plans.

 

Because amounts payable under the PPP are unfunded and unsecured, either a lump-sum or two- to ten-year annual installment distribution option isoptions (equivalent to the lump-sum) are available as an alternative to a monthly annuity. However, aA PPP lump-sum distribution is immediately and fully taxable as ordinary income. The PPP lump-sum calculation of the FAE portion of the benefit uses a discount rate equal to the Barclay’s Capital Municipal Bond Index averaged over five years (currently 2.316%2.354%). This non-taxable investment index is intended to yield an after-tax income stream on the net after-tax proceeds reinvested in tax free bonds that are comparable to that realized through a more tax efficient annuity distribution. The lump-sum value of the cash balance portion of the benefit will be equal to the accumulated cash balance account described above.

 

Vesting and Retirement.Under both of these pension plans, vesting requires three years of service. The normal retirement age under both benefit formulas is 65. The FAE formula, however, also provides full retirement benefits at age 62 for a participant who retires with at least ten years of service. Early retirement benefits are also available under the FAE formula beginning at age 55 with at least ten years of service, reduced by 0.2% for each month by which the early retirement date precedes age 62. The value of the cash balance account is not impacted by an employee’s age at retirement.

 

As of December 31, 2015, Mr.2016, Messrs. Hayes wasand Johri were eligible for early retirement under the only current NEO eligible to retire. Messrs. Bellemare, Darnis and Adams retired from UTC effective January 31, 2015, January 31, 2016 and February 29, 2016, respectively.FAE formula.

 

Other Formulas Used.Benefits for Messrs. Darnis andMr. Hayes include amounts accrued under a different formulasformula used in the Carrier and Sundstrand predecessor pension plans respectively, that were merged into UTC’s retirementpension plans. The Pratt & Whitney Canada Salaried and Executive Employee Pension Plans utilize a FAE formula substantially similar to that used by the UTC Employee Retirement Plan and the PPP.

 

64Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement67
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

    Executive  Registrant  Aggregate  Aggregate  Aggregate 
    Contributions in  Contributions in  Earnings in  Withdrawals/  Balance at 
Name Plan Last FY ($)(1) Last FY ($)(2) Last FY ($)(3) Distributions ($)  Last FYE ($)(4)
G. Hayes UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $0  $0  -$83,260  $0  $1,155,105 
  UTC Savings Restoration Plan $158,100  $94,860  -$59,527  $0  $1,201,449 
A. Johri UTC Savings Restoration Plan $0  $0  -$11,427  -$23,345  $168,461 
  UTC Company Automatic Contribution Excess Plan $0  $25,667  $286  $0  $25,953 
G. Darnis UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $648,750  $39,847(5) $83,462  $0  $3,793,706 
  UTC Savings Restoration Plan $82,425  $49,455  -$34,491 $0  $776,083 
  PSU Deferral Plan(6) $3,177,956  $0  -$1,012,972 $0  $5,347,662 
P. Adams UTC Savings Restoration Plan $59,590  $35,754  -$37,872 $0  $377,847 
C. Gill, Jr. UTC Savings Restoration Plan $72,000  $43,200  -$103,548 $0  $629,613 
A. Bellemare UTC Savings Restoration Plan $0  $0  -$37,858 $0  $723,999 
Name Plan Executive
Contributions
in Last FY ($)
 (1) Registrant
Contributions
in Last FY ($)
(2) Aggregate
Earnings in
Last FY ($)
(3) Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions ($)
  Aggregate
Balance at
Last FYE ($)
(4) 
G. Hayes UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $0  $0  $137,821  $0  $1,292,926  
 UTC Savings Restoration Plan $122,100  $73,260  $184,411  $0  $1,581,220  
A. Johri UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $645,833  $23,250(5) $47,536  $0  $716,619  
 UTC Savings Restoration Plan $13,850  $8,310  $21,655  ($21,368(6) $190,908  
                  
 UTC Company Automatic Contribution Excess Plan $0  $48,240  $992  $0  $75,185  
R. McDonough(7) UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  
 UTC Savings Restoration Plan $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  
P. Delpech(8) UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  
 UTC Savings Restoration Plan $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  
R. Leduc UTC Deferred Compensation Plan $0  $0  $0  $0  $0  
 UTC Savings Restoration Plan $35,475  $21,285  $15,039  $0  $158,383  
                  
 Contribution Excess Plan UTC Company Automatic $0  $35,753  $797  $0  $44,581  

 

(1)Amounts shown are included in the Salary and Bonus columns of the Summary Compensation Table.
  
(2)Amounts shown are included in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.
  
(3)Returns on amounts credited to hypothetical investment accounts, as described under “Investment Options” on page 66.69. These returns do not constitute above-market earnings, except for $9,908$9,771 credited to Mr. Hayes under the frozen Sundstrand Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan. This amount is included in the Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings column of the Summary Compensation Table.
  
(4)The sum of contributions (both by the executive and UTC) and credited earnings on those deferrals, less withdrawals. Of these totals, the following amounts have been included in the Salary, Bonus and Stock Awards columns of the Summary Compensation Table in prior years: $916,957$1,262,199 (Mr. Hayes), $5,806,141 and $25,667 (Mr. Darnis), $66,975 (Mr. Gill) and $350,178 (Mr. Bellemare)Johri).
  
(5)Consists of a Savings Restoration Plan match make-up for amounts inadvertently omitted from thisthe Plan. The corrected amount has been credited to Mr. Darnis’Johri’s UTC Deferred Compensation Plan account.Plan.
  
(6)Mr. Darnis elected to deferJohri’s 2013 separation from service triggered distributions of his 2012 PSU vestingaccrued Savings Restoration Plan benefit in ten annual installments. Annual distributions of this previously accrued benefit will continue through 2023. Benefits Mr. Johri has earned under the PSU Deferral Plan as reportedsince he was rehired in 2015 are not included in these distributions.
(7)Mr. McDonough does not participate in the Option Exercises and Stock Vested table on page 62.UTC’s non-qualified deferred compensation plans.
(8)Mr. Delpech does not participate in any U.S.-based deferred compensation plans since he is based in Belgium.

 

UTC Savings Restoration Plan (“SRP”)

 

The UTC Savings Restoration Plan (“SRP”)SRP is a non-qualified, unfunded deferred compensation arrangement that offers participants the opportunity to defer up to 6% of pay (base salary andplus annual bonus) above the annual Internal Revenue Code compensation limit ($265,000 in 2015)2016) applicable to the tax-qualified UTC 401(k) Savings Plan. Using the UTC 401(k) Savings Plan’s matching contribution formula, the SRP credits matching contributions equal to 60% of the amount deferred by the executive in the form of UTC deferred stock units. Participants are vested in their own deferrals and vest in the UTC match after three years of service. SRP balances may be distributed at the election of the participant in a lump-sum payment or in annual installments over a periodperiods ranging from two to fifteen years. Employee deferrals are distributed in cash and Company matching amounts are distributed in shares of Common Stock.

 

68

COMPENSATION TABLES

Company Automatic Contribution Excess Plan (“CACEP”)

 

Salaried employees, including NEOs, hired on or after January 1, 2010 do not participate in UTC’s pension plans. These employees insteaddo, however, receive age-based Company automatic contributions equal(equal to a percentage of salary and annual bonusbonus) to their tax-qualified UTC 401(k) Savings Plan account each payroll period. The purpose of the unfunded, non-qualified Company Automatic Contribution Excess Plan (“CACEP”)CACEP is to continue to credit suchthese age-based Company automatic contributions on compensation that exceeds the Internal Revenue Code limit applicable to the tax-qualified UTC 401(k) Savings Plan. Participants receiving benefits under the CACEP do not accrue a benefit under the UTC Pension Preservation Plan.PPP. In 2015, Mr.2016, Messrs. Johri was the only NEO whoand Leduc each participated in the CACEP for which heand received a credit equal to 5.5% of pay.pay above the IRS limit.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners65

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

UTC Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”)

 

The UTC Deferred Compensation Plan (“DCP”)DCP is a non-qualified, unfunded deferred compensation arrangement that offers participants the opportunity to defer up to 50% of base salary and up to 70% of annual bonus. The minimum deferralbonus until retirement or a fixed period isof at least five years. All distributions are made in cash and, at the election of the participant, in either a lump-sum payment or in annual installments over a periodperiods between two and fifteen years.years, at the election of the participant. If a participant’s employment terminates prior to retirement eligibility, all balances are paid as a lump-sum in April following termination.

 

Investment Options

 

Amounts deferred by participants under the SRP, CACEP and/or DCP may be allocated to one or more of the following hypothetical investment accounts:

 

Hypothetical Investment Accounts* 20152016 Return
Income Fund 3.563.4%
Equity Fund—S&P 500 Index 1.3811.9%
Government / Credit Bond Fund 0.193.1%
Small Company Stock Index Fund -3.3816.7%
International Equity Index -0.601.1%
Emerging Equity Index Fund -15.1511.4%
UTC Common Stock with dividend reinvestment -13.9916.5%

 

*Additional age-specific retirement date funds are also available. In 2015, the2016, NEOs participated in theTarget Retirement Fund 2005 (5.2% return), Target Retirement Fund 2010 (5.9% return), Target Retirement Fund 2015 (6.8% return) and Target Retirement Fund 2020 which returned -2.13%, and the Target Retirement Fund 2025, which returned -2.26%(7.4% return).

 

PSU Deferral Plan

 

The PSU Deferral Plan allows executives to defer between 10% and 100% of their vested PSU awards that would otherwise upon vesting would be settled in unrestricted shares of Common Stock. Upon vesting, theThe deferred portion of the PSU award is converted into deferred stock units that accrue dividend equivalents. Distributions from the PSU Deferral Plan are made in full or in two to fifteen annual installments, either upon retirement or in a future year selected by the executive (no earlier than five years from the year the PSUs are deferred)deferred for executives who elect a future distribution date). Distributions are made in whole shares of Common Stock with any fractional units paid in cash. None of the NEOs participated in the PSU Deferral Plan in 2016.

 

66Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement69
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS ON TERMINATION OR CHANGE-IN-CONTROL

 

This table estimates the value of payments and benefits that each NEO would have been entitled to receive had employment terminated on December 31, 20152016 under various hypothetical circumstances, except for Mr. Bellemare where actual payments are shown as a result of his retirement on January 31, 2015.circumstances. Under UTC’s programs, benefit eligibility and the value of benefits an executive is entitled to receive vary depending on the reason for termination and whether the executive is eligible for retirement at that time.

 

Payment Type G. Hayes  A. Johri  G. Darnis  P. Adams  C. Gill, Jr.  A. Bellemare(1)  G. Hayes A. Johri R. McDonough P. Delpech R. Leduc
Involuntary Termination (For Cause)Involuntary Termination (For Cause)                       
Cash Payment $0  $0  $0  $0  $0    $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Pension Benefit(2) $11,308,482  $2,328,667  $18,224,128  $2,410,229  $6,043,024   
Pension Benefit(1) $11,807,039 $2,379,540 $637,533 $423,035(2) $0
Option/SAR Value(3) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0    $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Stock Award Value(4) $0  $0  $0  $0  $0   
Stock Award Value(4)(5) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Sub-Total $11,308,482  $2,328,667  $18,224,128  $2,410,229  $6,043,024    $11,807,039 $ 2,379,540 $637,533 $ 423,035 $0
Less: Vested Pension -$11,308,482 -$2,328,667 -$18,224,128 -$2,410,229 -$6,043,024   ($11,807,039) ($2,379,540) ($637,533) ($423,035) $0
Amount Triggered due to Termination $0  $0  $0  $0  $0    $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Voluntary TerminationVoluntary Termination                       
Cash Payment $0  $0  $0  $0  $0    $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Pension Benefit(2) $11,308,482  $2,328,667  $18,224,128  $2,410,229  $6,043,024   
Pension Benefit(1) $11,807,039 $2,379,540 $637,533 $423,035(2) $0
Option/SAR Value(3) $13,020,790  $2,575,909  $21,591,050  $3,816,268  $12,131,213    $15,303,835 $3,737,571 $4,404,018 $653,310 $2,277,120
Stock Award Value(4) $2,894,397  $0  $2,824,074  $1,173,975  $2,024,771   
Stock Award Value(4)(5) $2,164,995 $531,657 $0 $3,014,660 $0
Sub-Total $27,223,669  $4,904,576  $42,639,252  $7,400,472  $20,199,008    $29,275,869 $6,648,768 $5,041,551 $4,091,005 $2,277,120
Less: Vested Pension and Equity -$27,223,669 -$4,904,576 -$42,639,252 -$7,400,472 -$20,199,008   ($29,275,869) ($6,648,768) ($5,041,551) ($4,091,005) ($2,277,120)
Amount Triggered due to Termination $0  $0  $0  $0  $0    $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Involuntary Termination (Not For Cause) or RetirementInvoluntary Termination (Not For Cause) or Retirement                       
Cash Payment(5)(6) $3,250,000  $0  $2,750,000(9) $1,625,000(9) $1,812,500  $2,492,288  $3,750,000 $0 $2,062,500 $0 $0
Pension Benefit(2) $11,308,482  $2,328,667  $18,224,128  $2,410,229  $6,043,024  $6,443,324 
Pension Benefit(1) $11,807,039 $2,379,540 $637,533 $423,035(2) $0
Option/SAR Value(3) $13,020,790  $2,575,909  $21,591,050  $3,816,268  $12,131,213  $4,346,755  $15,303,835 $3,737,571 $4,404,018 $653,310 $2,277,120
Stock Award Value(4) $2,894,397  $0  $2,824,074  $1,173,975  $2,024,771  $2,773,349 
Stock Award Value(4)(5) $2,164,995 $531,657 $0 $3,014,660 $0
Sub-Total $30,473,669  $4,904,576  $45,389,252  $9,025,472  $22,011,508  $16,055,716  $33,025,869 $6,648,768 $7,104,051 $4,091,005 $2,277,120
Less: Vested Pension and Equity -$27,223,669 -$4,904,576 -$42,639,252 -$7,400,472 -$20,199,008 -$13,563,428 ($29,275,869) ($6,648,768) ($5,041,551) ($4,091,005) ($2,277,120)
Amount Triggered due to Termination $3,250,000  $0  $2,750,000  $1,625,000  $1,812,500  $2,492,288  $3,750,000 $0 $2,062,500 $0 $0
Termination following a Change-in-Control(6)(7)Termination following a Change-in-Control(6)(7)             Termination following a Change-in-Control(6)(7)          
Cash Payment(7)(8) $10,300,550  $0  $6,906,900  $3,789,825  $4,010,338    $11,885,250 $0 $2,062,500 $0 $0
Pension Benefit(2) $11,308,482  $2,328,667  $18,224,128  $2,410,229  $6,043,024   
Pension Benefit(1) $11,807,039 $2,379,540 $637,533 $423,035(2) $0
Option/SAR Value(8)(9) $13,020,790  $2,575,909  $21,591,050  $4,474,896  $12,131,213    $19,013,035 $4,945,871 $6,258,618 $2,507,910 $4,388,240
Stock Award Value(8)(9) $6,689,162  $5,728,174  $4,937,614  $4,591,762  $4,500,495    $10,139,850 $8,562,089 $6,940,919 $7,826,320 $4,197,459
Sub-Total $41,318,984  $10,632,750  $51,659,692  $15,266,712  $26,685,070    $52,845,174 $15,887,500 $15,899,570 $10,757,265 $8,585,699
Less: Vested Pension and Equity -$27,223,669 -$4,904,576 -$42,639,252 -$7,400,472 -$20,199,008   ($29,275,869) ($6,648,768) ($5,041,551) ($4,091,005) ($2,277,120)
Amount Triggered due to Termination $14,095,315  $5,728,174  $9,020,440  $7,866,240  $6,486,062    $23,569,305 $9,238,732 $10,858,019 $6,666,260 $6,308,579

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners7067
 

COMPENSATION TABLES

 

(1)Mr. Bellemare retired from UTC effective January 31, 2015. The value shown includes the ELG cash separation benefit (including interest earned at 3.5% during the payment deferral period required by the IRC) that Mr. Bellemare received as a result of his retirement and a $200,000 retainer fee paid in connection with an 18-month consulting agreement Mr. Bellemare entered into with UTC following his retirement. Details of this agreement are found in footnote (6)(f) of the Summary Compensation Table on page 58. The pension benefits shown for Mr. Bellemare include amounts accrued under the Pratt & Whitney Canada Salaried and Executive Employee Pension Plans which were distributed following retirement, as shown in the Pension Benefits table on page 63.
(2)Amounts reflect the estimated lump-sum value of the non-qualified portion of the retirement benefits accrued under UTC’s pension plans, assuming retirement or termination on December 31, 2015,2016, payable as of such date or attainment of age 55 (if later), or the actual retirement date, if known.. The present value of benefits payable under the qualified plan are shown in the Pension Benefits table on page 63.66. Mr. Leduc separated employment from UTC on January 15, 2014, triggering previously accrued pension benefit payments which he continues to receive (see footnote (2) of the Pension Benefits table on page 66 for more details). Upon re-employment on January 15, 2016, Mr. Leduc is no longer eligible to accrue benefits under UTC’s legacy pension plans.
(2)Mr. Delpech is not eligible for participation under U.S.-based retirement plans. The amounts shown for Mr. Delpech reflect the estimated lump-sum value of retirement benefits accrued under an individual pension insurance contract, assuming termination on December 31, 2016, payable as of such date. Benefits accrue monthly at 20% of base salary and earn at least a minimum interest rate of 3.25%. Distribution is scheduled to be made as a lump-sum at retirement. However, if Mr. Delpech’s employment terminates for any reason prior to retirement, he is entitled to the vested amounts accrued under his contract as of the date of separation.
  
(3)The vesting of outstanding SARs or options (other than the unvested portion of the performance-based SARsSAR awards and special sign-on SARs)out-of-cycle grants) that have been outstanding for at least one year will be accelerated in the event of a voluntary termination or an involuntary (not for cause) termination after attaining qualifying retirement age (55(age 55 plus ten years of service)service or satisfying the rule of 65 (age– between age 50 and 55 plus fifteen years of service)service add up to 65 or more). Each of theAll NEOs, satisfiesexcept for Mr. McDonough, satisfy one or both of these conditions. Amounts shown are based on the December 31, 2015 closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on the NYSE ($109.62) on the last trading day of $96.07.2016. In the event of an involuntary termination for cause, outstanding SARs are forfeited.
  
(4)In the event of a voluntary termination or an involuntary (not for cause) termination following attainment of qualifying retirement age or satisfying the rule of 65, PSUs outstanding for at least one year remain eligible to vest following completion of the performance period to the extent performance targets are achieved. Amounts shown are based on the December 31, 2015 closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on the NYSE ($109.62) on the last trading day of $96.072016. Maximum- and target-levelthreshold-level vesting is shown for the 20152016 and 20142015 PSU grants, and therespectively, based on estimated performance as of December 31, 2016. The actual vesting level(0%) is shown for the 20132014 PSU grant. In the event of an involuntary termination for cause, outstanding PSUs are forfeited.
  
(5)Sign-on and retention RSU awards forfeit upon voluntary or involuntary terminations, regardless of the retirement eligibility status of the executive. ELG RSUs will vest in the case of mutually agreeable separation (as defined on pages 47-48) following three years of ELG service (and for Mr. McDonough, only after obtaining age 62). Receipt of the ELG RSU award is contingent upon execution of an agreement containing the following restrictive covenants made by the executive for the protection of UTC: (i) non-compete; (ii) employee non-solicitation; (iii) non-disparagement; (iv) protection of confidential, sensitive and proprietary information; and (v) post-termination cooperation.
(6)Reflects the ELG cash separation benefit, which equals 2.5x base salary. This benefit is payable as a lump-sum in the event of a mutually agreeable separation (defined on page 44)pages 47-48) following at least three years of ELG service (and for certain ELG members, is dependent onMr. McDonough only if separation occurs prior to age at separation)62). Receipt of the ELG separation benefit is contingent upon execution of an agreement containing the following covenants made by the executive for the protection of UTC: (i) non-compete; (ii) employee non-solicitation; (iii) non-disparagement; (iv) protection of confidential, sensitive and proprietary information; and (v) post-termination cooperation.subject to post-employment restrictions, as described in footnote (5) above. The ELG separation benefit is not treated as compensation for purposes of determining benefits under UTC’s pension plans or any other benefit programs. Distributions are subject to certain restrictions imposed by Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. ELG members appointed on or after May 2013, including Mr.Messrs. Johri, Delpech and Leduc are not eligible for this cash separation benefit.benefit and instead received an ELG RSU grant, as described above in footnote (5).
  
(6)(7)Change-in-control benefits are provided in accordance with the Senior Executive Severance Plan (“SESP”), which was closed to new participants effective June 2009. Accordingly, Mr. Hayes is the only NEO eligible for the SESP benefit. Acquisition of 20% of UTC’s voting securities by a person or a group or a change in the majority of the Board of Directors, constituteconstitutes a change-in-control. SESP benefits are provided to eligible executives in the event of an involuntary termination or resignation for “good reason” (i.e., a material adverse change in the executive’s compensation, responsibilities, authority, reporting relationship or work location) within two years following a change-in-control event. Receipt of SESP benefits isare subject to various restrictive covenants. An executive may receive the greater of the SESP or the ELG cash separation benefit (as described in footnote (5)(6) above), but not both. The SESP cash severance benefit is reduced by 1/36thfor each month that termination occurs after age 62 and, accordingly, is completely phased out at age 65.
  
(7)(8)A lump-sum cash benefit payable under the SESP in an amount equal to 2.99x the sum of the executive’s base salary and target annual bonus is applicable for ELG members appointed prior to June 2009.2009 (Mr. Hayes only). ELG members appointed on or after June 2009 but prior to May 2013 (Mr. McDonough only) are eligible for the standard ELG cash severance payment upon change-in-control (2.5x base salary), while ELG appointeesappointed on or after May 2013, including Mr.Messrs. Johri, Delpech and Leduc, are not eligible for a cash payment under either program.
  
(8)(9)In the event of termination for “good reason” (as defined on page 45)48) following a change-in-control, the LTIP provides for the accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards (including awards outstanding for less than one year, unvested performance-based SAR awards and special out-of-cycle equity awards and ELG RSU awards). Amounts shown are based on the December 31, 2015 closing price of ourUTC Common Stock on the NYSE ($109.62) on the last trading day of $96.07.2016. PSU and performance-based SAR values reflect vesting at target, except where actual performance is known as of December 31, 2015.
(9)Mr. Darnis and Mr. Adams retired from UTC effective January 31, 2016 and February 29, 2016, respectively. Following retirement, UTC entered into one-year consulting agreements valued at $300,000 for Mr. Darnis and $200,000 for Mr. Adams, which are excluded from the values shown.2016.

 

Post-Employment Consulting Arrangements

In some cases, the Company enters into post-employment consulting arrangements to assist in the transition of an executive’s responsibilities and for support on matters in-process at the time of retirement. Because the LTIP recognizes service rendered in a consulting capacity, the termination date for vesting purposes under the LTIP may be later than the date employment ends.

Mr. Bellemare entered into a $200,000, 18-month consulting agreement following his retirement to remain available to provide advice on strategic matters related to our aerospace businesses. He will therefore remain eligible to vest in his 2015 SAR and PSU awards. Mr. Darnis entered into a one-year consulting agreement for $300,000 to advise on strategic matters and to assure continuity in key customer relationships. This arrangement will not impact the vesting of his long-term incentive awards. Pursuant to a one-year $200,000 consulting agreement following his retirement on February 29, 2016, Mr. Adams will remain available to provide technical advice and support on Pratt & Whitney’s GTF programs. As a result of this arrangement, his 2016 PSU and SAR awards and his 2012 performance-based SAR award remain eligible to vest, subject to the continuation of this consulting relationship through December 2016. His 2015 PSU and SAR awards were eligible to vest without regard to this agreement. In addition, the RSU award granted on December 1, 2015 remains eligible to vest, provided that his consulting relationship continues through February 28, 2017.

68Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement71
 

 

Report of the Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in its oversight of UTC’s financial accounting and reporting processes and the adequacy of its system of internal controls and processes to assure compliance with Company policies and procedures, its Code of Ethics and applicable laws and regulations. The Committee annually nominates an independent auditor for appointment by the shareowners, and evaluates the independence, qualifications and performance of UTC’s internal and independent auditors. Specific responsibilities of the Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board, which is available on the Company’s website.

 

Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the financial reporting processes, including the system of internal accounting controls. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), the Company’s Independent Auditor, is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the Independent Auditor UTC’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015,2016, as well as the representations of management and the Independent Auditor’s opinion thereon regarding UTC’s internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee discussed with UTC’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee met with the internal and independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluation of UTC’s internal controls, management’s representations regarding internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of UTC’s financial reporting.

 

The Committee has discussed with UTC’s Independent Auditor the matters required by the Public Company Accounting and Oversight Board’s (“PCAOB”) Auditing Standard No. 16No.1301,Communications with Audit Committees.. It has also discussed with UTC’s Independent Auditor its independence from UTC and its management, including the written disclosures and letter from UTC’s Independent Auditor required by the PCAOB’s Rule 3526,Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence,as approved by the SEC. The Committee has concluded that PwC’s provision of non-audit services as described in the table on pages 7073 and 7174 is compatible with PwC’s independence.

 

UTC’s Independent Auditor represented to the Committee that UTC’s audited financial statements were fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in UTC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 for filing with the SEC. The Committee nominates the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for appointment by the shareowners as UTC’s Independent Auditor for 2017.

 

Audit Committee
Edward A. Kangas, Chair   Fredric G. Reynolds
Ellen J. KullmanDiane M. Bryant*   H. Patrick Swygert
Richard B. Myers   André Villeneuve
* Appointed a member of the Committee effective January 1, 2017.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners7269
 

 

Proposal 2: Appointment of a Firm of Independent Registered Public Accountants to Serve as Independent Auditor for 20162017

 

As required by UTC’s Bylaws, we are asking shareowners to vote on a proposal to appoint a firm of independent registered public accountants to act as the Company’s Independent Auditor until the next annual meeting.Annual Meeting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, served as UTC’s Independent Auditor in 20152016 and 2014,2015, and the Audit Committee has nominated the firm for appointment by the shareowners to serve again as UTC’s Independent Auditor for 2016.2017.

 

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the nomination, compensation, retention and oversight of the Company’s independent auditor.Independent Auditor. To fulfill this responsibility, the Committee engages in a comprehensive annual evaluation of the independent auditor’sIndependent Auditor’s qualifications, performance and independence, and periodically considers the advisability and potential impact of selecting a different independent registered public accounting firm to serve in that capacity.

 

The Audit Committee has nominated, and the Board of Directors has approved the nomination of, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as our Independent Auditor for 20162017 and until the next Annual Meeting in 2017.2018. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has acquired extensive knowledge of the Company’s operations, performance and development through its previous service as the Company’s Independent Auditor. In accordance with SEC rules and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP policies, audit partners are subject to rotation requirements that limit the number of consecutive years an individual partner may provide service to our Company. For lead and concurring audit partners, the maximum number of consecutive years of service in that capacity is five years. The process for selection of the Company’s lead audit partner pursuant to this rotation policy includes a meeting ofwith the Chairman of the Audit Committee withand the candidate for the role, as well as consideration of the candidate’s qualifications by the full Committee and with management.

 

The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the continued retention of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our Independent Auditor is in the best interest of the Company and our shareowners.

 

Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the 20162017 Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make any statements they desire, and will also be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareowners.

 

UTC paid the following fees to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for 2015in 2016 and 2014:2015:

 

(in thousands) 2015  2014 
Audit Fees $40,961  $42,054 
Audit-Related Fees $9,930  $5,535 
Tax Fees $19,926  $18,712 
All Other Fees $5,707  $757 
Total $76,524  $67,058 

(in thousands) 2016  2015 
Audit Fees $39,744  $40,961 
Audit-Related Fees $5,676  $9,930 
Tax Fees $18,183  $19,926 
All Other Fees $557  $5,707 
Total $64,160  $76,524 

 

70Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement73
 

PROPOSAL 2:Appointment of Independent Auditor for 2016APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

 

Audit Fees in both years consisted of fees for the audit of UTC’s consolidated annual financial statements and the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, the review of interim financial statements in UTC’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and the performance of audits in accordance with statutory requirements. Audit fees for statutory audits were $16,900,000 in 2016 and $16,000,000 in 2015 with the increase in 2016 due to additional audits attributable to UTC acquisitions.

 

Audit-Related Fees in both years consisted of fees for financial and tax due diligence assistance related to acquisition and disposition activity, employee benefit plan audits, advice regarding the application of generally accepted accounting principles tofor proposed transactions, special reports pursuant to agreed-upon procedures, contractually required audits and compliance assessments. Audit-Related Fees in 2015 also included services related to our discontinued operations, including carve-out audits and other agreed upon procedures with fees of approximately $5,400,000. $400,000 of our 2015 Audit-Related fees were reimbursed pursuant to contractual agreements with third parties. There were $0 Audit-Related Fees for services related to discontinued operations or related reimbursements in 2016.

 

Tax Fees in 2016 consisted of approximately $12,773,000 for U.S. and non-U.S. tax compliance, related planning and assistance with tax refund claims, and expatriate tax services, and approximately $5,410,000 for tax consulting and advisory services. In 2015, Tax Fees consisted of approximately $9,955,000 for U.S. and non-U.S. tax compliance, related planning and assistance with tax refund claims, and expatriate tax services, and approximately $9,971,000 for tax consulting and advisory services. In 2014, Tax

All Other Fees in 2016 primarily consisted of approximately $11,429,000 for U.S.accounting research software, benchmarking, government compliance and non-U.S. tax compliance, related planning and assistance with tax refund claims, and expatriate tax services, and approximately $7,283,000 for tax consulting and advisoryother services.

All Other Fees in 2015 primarily consisted of accounting research software, benchmarking, government compliance, business disposition separation and other services. All Other Fees in 2014 primarily consisted of accounting research software, benchmarking, government compliance and other services.

 

The Audit Committee has adopted procedures requiring Committee review and approval in advance of all particular engagements for services provided by UTC’s Independent Auditor. Consistent with applicable laws, the procedures permit limited amounts of services, other than audit, review or attest services, to be approved by one or more members of the Committee pursuant to authority delegated by the Committee, provided the Committee subsequently is informed of each particular service approved by delegation. All of the engagements and fees for 20152016 and 20142015 were approved by the Committee. The Committee reviews with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP whether the non-audit services to be provided are compatible with maintaining the firm’s independence. The Board has also adopted the policy that in any year fees paid to the Independent Auditor for non-audit services shall not exceed the fees paid for audit and audit-related services. Non-audit services consist of those described above, as included in the Tax Fees and All Other Fees categories.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREOWNERS VOTE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP. 
FOR    

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners71

Proposal 3: Amendment to Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Eliminate Cumulative Voting for Directors

In September 2015, in conjunction with the Board’s adoption of “proxy access” Bylaw provisions, the Board approved an amendment to UTC’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in the election of directors, subject to shareowners’ approval at the 2016 Annual Meeting(1). Cumulative voting enables a shareowner to concentrate his or her voting power in favor of the election of one or more nominees, rather than casting one vote per share. Accordingly, the use of cumulative voting rights can permit one or more directors to be elected based on the votes of a minority of shareowners casting votes in the election. The Board believes that each director should represent the interests of all shareowners rather than potentially only the interests of a limited constituency. Therefore, and as further discussed below, the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareowners to eliminate cumulative voting.

BACKGROUND

The Company’s Bylaws provide that in uncontested elections, directors are elected according to a majority vote standard. In other words, a nominee is elected if the votes cast “for” the nominee exceed 50% of the total votes cast with respect to that nominee’s election. In contested elections, directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast—those nominees who receive the most votes are elected even though the votes in favor of one or more nominees may be fewer than a majority of votes cast.

Cumulative voting, which the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation currently permits, enables a shareowner to “cumulate” his or her voting power. This means a shareowner can cast a number of votes equal to the number of shares the shareowner holds multiplied by the number of directors to be elected for a single nominee, or among fewer than all nominees.

By allowing shareowners to cast multiple votes for a single or few nominees, instead of voting separately on each nominee, cumulative voting can result in the election of a board member who has not been supported by the holders of a majority of the shares voting on the election of directors.

RATIONALE

The Board believes that maintaining cumulative voting in UTC’s corporate governance structure is problematic for a number of reasons:

Cumulative voting provides an unusual mechanism through which a minority shareowner can disrupt one of the most fundamental shareowner decisions, in opposition to the clear wishes of shareowners representing a majority of shares voting. UTC’s recently adopted proxy access provisions, in contrast to cumulative voting, establish procedures through which all shareowners, including minority shareowners, can share their opinions and actively participate in elections without giving a minority shareowner the ability to have a disproportionate influence by overruling the wishes of a majority of shareowners.

(1)UTC adopted “proxy access” Bylaw provisions that permit a shareowner, or a group of up to 20 shareowners, owning at least three percent of UTC’s outstanding shares of Common Stock continuously for at least three years to nominate and include in UTC’s annual meeting proxy materials director nominees who, if elected, would constitute up to twenty percent of the Board, provided that the shareowner(s) and nominee(s) satisfy the requirements specified in UTC’s Bylaws, which are available at:http://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Corporate-Governance/Documents/Bylaws.pdf.

 

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PROPOSAL 3:Amendment to Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Eliminate Cumulative Voting for Directors

 

A system in which shareowners can cast one vote per share for each director nominee is the prevailing election standard among large U.S. public companies and employed by the vast majority of S&P 500 companies. Very few large publicly traded companies (including only two other S&P 100 companies) provide for cumulative voting. In recent years, a number of publicly traded companies have eliminated cumulative voting, often in connection with adopting a majority voting standard or proxy access.
Cumulative voting gives an advantage to minority shareowners with relatively large holdings, whose interests and objectives may not necessarily align with the views of a majority of our shareowners. These special-interest shareowners (or small groups of such shareowners) could cumulate their votes to elect specific directors who otherwise would not be elected. Such directors may be focused on the special interests or agendas of those who cumulated votes to elect them, which could create divisiveness among Board members and impair the Board’s ability to operate effectively.

Both management and the Board of Directors view this proposal to eliminate cumulative voting as an appropriate balancing measure in view of the annual election of UTC’s directors, the recently adopted proxy access provisions and the director majority voting standard.

AMENDMENT

The proposed amendment would delete in its entirety the text of Clause (h) of Article Eighth of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation. A copy of the proposed amendment, marked with strike-outs to show the deletions, is included in Appendix A. A copy of the complete Restated Certificate of Incorporation is available from the Corporate Secretary at corpsec@corphq.utc.com or Corporate Secretary, UTC, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032.

If this proposal to eliminate cumulative voting is approved, the amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation would become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the State of Delaware, which the Company would intend to file promptly following the shareowner vote. Cumulative voting would not be permitted in elections of directors thereafter, including the 2017 Annual Meeting of shareowners. The Board of Directors has also unanimously approved amendments to UTC’s Bylaws to incorporate conforming changes to reflect the elimination of cumulative voting, in the event that the amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation is approved by shareowners.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO ELIMINATE CUMULATIVE VOTING. 
FOR    

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners73

Proposal 4:3:Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation

 

Each year we ask shareowners to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of UTC’s Named Executive Officers. We encourage you, before voting, to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) on pages 2728 to 55,58, along with the compensation tables on pages 5760 to 68,71, and to consider the information the CD&A provides about the alignment between UTC’s performance and our executives’ compensation. The CD&A also describes recent changes to our compensation programs that are designed to enhance corporate governance and align executive and shareowner interests.

 

Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, your vote is advisory and will not be binding on the Board or the Company. However, UTC values the Boardopinion of its shareowners and will reviewconsider the voting results and give them serious considerationoutcome of the vote when making future executive compensation decisions.

 

As more fully discussed in the CD&A, the fundamental objective of UTC’s compensation program is to closely align our executives’ compensation opportunities with the long-term interests of our shareowners. For senior leadership, the substantial majority of compensation is both stock-based and contingent on performance. We base long-term incentive compensation on the achievement of performance metrics that link directly to sustainable performance and long-term shareowner value. We use relevant benchmarkingbenchmarks to assureensure that overall compensation levels are competitive in order to recruit, retain and opportunities align effectively with competitive market practices.motivate talented executives critical to UTC’s long-term success.

 

The design and operation of an executive compensation program for a large, complex, global enterprise such as UTC involves multiple objectives. The Board believes that UTC’s executive compensation programs have been effective in attracting and retaining senior business leaders with the requisite talent and skills to drive UTC’s financial, strategic and operational performance. As described on page 3334 of this Proxy Statement, UTC’s executive compensation programs are designed to support the following guiding principles:

 

Responsibility:Compensation should take into account each executive’s responsibility to act in accordance with our ethical, environmental, health and safety objectives at all times. Financial, strategic and operational performance must not compromise these values. A complete commitment to ethical and corporate responsibility is a fundamental principle incorporated into all aspects of our compensation program.
Pay-for-performance:A substantial portion of compensation should be variable, contingent on and directly linked to individual, Company and business unit performance.
  
Shareowner alignment:The financial interests of executives should be aligned with the long-term interests of our shareowners through stock-based compensation and performance metrics that correlate with long-term shareowner value.
Long-term focus:For our most senior executives, long-term, stock-based compensation opportunities should significantly outweigh short-term, cash-based opportunities. Annual objectives should complement sustainable long-term performance.
  
Competitiveness:Total compensation should be sufficiently competitive to attract, retain and motivate a leadership team capable of maximizing UTC’s performance. Each element should be benchmarked relative to peers.
  
Balance:The portion of total compensation contingent on performance should increase with an executive’s level of responsibility. Annual and long-term incentive compensation opportunities should reward the appropriate balance of short- and long-term financial, strategic and operational business results.
Responsibility:Compensation should take into account each executive’s responsibility to act in accordance with our ethical, environmental, health and safety objectives at all times. Financial and operating performance must not compromise these values. A complete commitment to ethical and corporate responsibility is a fundamental principle incorporated into all aspects of our compensation program.

 

74Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement75
 

PROPOSAL 4:3: Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer CompensationADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION

Shareowner alignment:The financial interests of executives should be aligned with the long-term interests of our shareowners through stock-based compensation and performance metrics that correlate with long-term shareowner value.

 

As in the past, long-term sustainable growth continues to be the driver behind the strategic and financial decisions of our senior executives. This can be seen in our cumulative total return to shareowners over the ten-year period ending December 31, 2015,2016, which equaled 115%121%. These returns are in excess of results for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (111%(106%) and the S&P 500 (102%(96%) indices for the same period, as well as the Capital Goods industry sector (99%(103%), of which UTC is a component. The Board believes that our executive compensation program plays a key role in driving and sustaining this level of performance.

 

The Board remains committed to robust corporate governance practices and strongly shares the interest of shareowners in maintaining effective, performance-based executive compensation programs at UTC.programs. In that regard, as discussed in the CD&A, the Committee has over the years made a number ofon Compensation and Executive Development makes ongoing changes to our executive compensation programs, often in direct response to input from shareowners. The Board believes that UTC’s executive compensation programs have effectively aligned pay with performance by incentivizing strong financial performance while encouraging long-term growth objectives. A balanced, competitive compensation program is also essential for attracting and retaining talented executives.

 

Accordingly, the Board recommends that shareowners vote FOR the following resolution:

 

“RESOLVED, that the compensation of UTC’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and related information provided on pages 2728 to 6871 of this Proxy Statement, is hereby APPROVED on an advisory basis.”

 

As a matter of law, the approval or disapproval of this Proposal 43 may not be construed as overruling any decision by UTC or the Board, or as imposing any duty or obligation on UTC, the Board or any individual director.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ABOVE RESOLUTION TO APPROVE, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, THE COMPENSATION OF UTC’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. 
FOR    

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners7675
 

Proposal 4:Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Shareowner Votes on Named Executive Officer Compensation

 

As required by federal securities law, the Board requests your advisory vote on the intervals at which shareowners should vote to approve the compensation of UTC’s named executive officers (“NEOs”) - whether every year, every two years or every three years. Since UTC began holding an advisory “Say-on-Pay” vote in 2011, it has submitted its executive compensation to an advisory vote every year. Although your vote on this frequency proposal is advisory and thus not binding on the Board, the Board will consider the outcome of the shareowner vote in making its decision.

The Board believes that an advisory vote on NEO compensation that occurs every year is the most appropriate alternative. The Board believes that an annual “Say-on-Pay” vote enables shareowners to provide frequent, direct input to the Company regarding its compensation philosophy, policies and practices. Holding the vote at one-year intervals also enhances shareowner communication by providing a clear, simple means for the Company to ascertain general investor sentiment regarding the Company’s executive compensation program.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS AN ANNUAL SHAREOWNER ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF UTC’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement77

General Information About the Annual Meeting

 

Your vote is very important.

Please vote your shares in advance of the meeting, using one of the voting methods described below.

 

ACCESSING PROXY MATERIALS


To conserve natural resources and reduce costs, we are sending most shareowners a brief Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as permitted by SEC rules. This Notice explains how you can access UTC’s proxy materials on the Internet and how to obtain printed copies if you prefer. It also explains how you can choose either electronic or print delivery of proxy materials for future Annual Meetings.

 

WHO CAN VOTEVOTE?


You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting if you owned shares of Common Stock at the close of business on February 29, 2016,28, 2017, which is referred to as the “record date.” A list of registered shareowners entitled to vote at the meeting will be available at UTC’s offices, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032, during the ten days prior to the meeting and also at the meeting.

 

ATTENDING THE MEETING


You or your authorized proxy can attend the Annual Meeting if you were a registered or beneficial shareowner of Common Stock at the close of business on February 29, 2016.28, 2017.

 

We ask that shareowners request tickets in advance to attend.

 

To request an admission ticket to the Annual Meeting, contactsend a letter to the UTC Corporate Secretary, at UTC, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032 or bysend an email to: corpsec@corphq.utc.com.corpsec@corphq.utc.com.

 

If you own shares through an account with a broker, bank, trustee or other intermediary, you must also send a copy of an account statement, or a “legal proxy” from your intermediary, showing the number of shares you owned as of the record date.
  
If your shares are registered in your name with UTC’s stock registrar and transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”), or if you own shares through a UTC employee savings plan, there is no need to provide evidence of ownership of shares.shares because UTC can verify your ownership of Common Stock.

 

If you forget to bring a ticket, you will be admitted to the meeting only if you provide proof of identification and satisfactory evidence that you were a registered or beneficial shareowner of Common Stock as of the record date.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

QUORUM FOR THE MEETING

 

Under the Company’s Bylaws, we can conduct business at the Annual Meeting only if the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares on the record date are present either in person or by proxy. The presence of at least that number of shares constitutes a “quorum.” As of the record date, 836,729,909801,686,761 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding.

 

HOW TO VOTEVOTE?

 

If you own shares directly in your name…

 

If your shares are registered in your name on the records of Computershare, you may vote in several different ways.

 

  
Vote on the Internet.VOTE ON THE
INTERNET.
VOTE BY TELEPHONE.VOTE BY MAIL.VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
You can vote online at:www.proxyvote.com.www.proxyvote.com.
 
Vote by Telephone.In the United States or Canada, you can vote by telephone. Easy-to-follow voice prompts allow you to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded.
 
Vote by Mobile Device.You can scan the QR code provided with your proxy materials.

Internet, telephone and mobile device voting facilities will be available 24 hours a day until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on April 24, 2016 (except for participants in the UTC Employee Savings Plan, who must submit voting instructions earlier, as described below).

To authenticate your Internet, telephone or mobile device vote, you will need to enter your confidential voter control number as shown on the voting materials you received. If you vote online, by telephone or by mobile device, you do not need to return a proxy card or voting instruction card.

Vote by Mail.You can mail the proxy card or voting instruction form enclosed with your printed proxy materials. Mark, sign and date your proxy card or voting instruction form and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided, or in an envelope addressed to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.Most shareowners may vote by submitting a ballot in person at the Annual Meeting.
Internet and telephone voting facilities will be available 24 hours a day until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on April 23, 2017 (except for participants in the UTC Employee Savings Plan, who must submit voting instructions earlier, as described below).Please allow sufficient time for delivery of your proxy card if you decide to vote by mail.
  
To authenticate your Internet or telephone vote, you will need to enter your confidential voter control number as shown on the voting materials you received. If you vote online or by telephone, you do not need to return a proxy card or voting instruction card.Mail to Vote at the Annual Meeting.Most shareowners may vote by submitting a ballot in person at the Annual Meeting. Processing, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.If you have already voted online, by telephone by mobile device or by mail, your vote at the Annual Meeting will supersede your prior vote.

 

If you own your shares through an account with a bank, broker, trustee or other intermediary, sometimes referred to as owning in “street name”…

 

Your intermediary will send you printed copies of the proxy materials or provide instructions on how to access proxy materials electronically. You are entitled to direct the intermediary how to vote your shares by following the voting instructions it provides to you.

 

If you hold shares in the UTC Employee Savings Plan…

 

You can direct the voting of your proportionate interest in shares of Common Stock held by the ESOP Fund and the Common Stock Fund under the UTC Employee Savings Plan by returning a voting instruction card or by providing voting instructions via the Internet by telephone or by mobile device.telephone. If you do not provide voting instructions (or if your instructions are incomplete or unclear) as to one or more of the matters to be voted on, the trustee will vote your proportionate interest in shares held by the ESOP Fund for the voting choice that receives the greatest number of votes based on voting instructions received from ESOP Fund participants. Similarly, the trustee will vote your uninstructed proportionate interest in shares held by the Common Stock Fund for the voting choice that receives the greatest number of votes based on voting instructions

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement79

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

received from the Common Stock Fund participants. The trustee will vote all shares of Common Stock held in the ESOP Fund that are not allocated to participant accounts for the voting choice that receives the greatest number of votes from ESOP Fund participants who submit voting instructions with respect to their allocated shares.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners77

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

SPECIAL VOTING DEADLINE FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE UTC EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLAN:Broadridge Financial Solutions must receive your voting instructions by 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, on April 21, 2016,20, 2017, so that it will have time to tabulate all voting instructions of participants and communicate those instructions to the trustee, who will vote the shares held by the Savings Plan. Because the trustee is designated to vote on your behalf, you will not be able to vote your shares held in the Savings Plan in person at the meeting.

 

Revoking a proxy or voting instructionsREVOKING A PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

 

If you hold shares registered in your name, you may revoke your proxy by:

 

Writing to the Corporate Secretary and providing your name and account information
  
If you submitted your proxy by telephone mobile device or via the Internet, by accessing those voting methods and following the instructions given for revoking a proxy
  
If you submitted a signed proxy card, by submitting a new proxy card with a later date (which will override your earlier proxy card)
  
Voting in person at the Annual Meeting

 

If you hold your shares in “street name,” you must follow the directions provided by your bank, broker, trustee or other intermediary for revoking or modifying your voting instructions.

 

VOTING PROCEDURES

 

How shares will be votedHOW SHARES WILL BE VOTED

 

Each share of UTC Common Stock is entitled to one vote (other than in the case of cumulative voting, as described below).vote. Your shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. In addition, if you have returned a signed proxy card or submitted voting instructions by telephone mobile device or online,the Internet, the proxy holders will have, and intend to exercise, discretion to vote your shares (other than shares held in the UTC Employee Savings Plan) in accordance with their best judgment on any matters not identified in this Proxy Statement that are brought to a vote at the Annual Meeting. At present we do not know of any such additional matters.

 

At the 2016 Annual Meeting, shareowners approved the Board’s recommendation to amend UTC’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting in the election of directors.

If your shares are registered in your name and you sign and return a signed proxy card or vote by telephone mobile device or onlinethe Internet, butdo notgive voting instructions on a particular matter, the proxy holders will be authorized to vote your shares on that matter in accordance with the Board’s recommendation. If you hold your shares through an account with a broker anddo notgive voting instructions on a matter, your broker is permitted, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange your broker is permittedrules, to vote your shares in its discretion only on Proposal 2 (appointment of the Independent Auditor) and is required to withhold a vote on each of the other Proposals, resulting in a so-called “broker non-vote.” The impact of abstentions and broker non-votes on the overall votevoting results is shown in the table on the following table.page.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

Votes required and effect of abstentions and broker non-votes

VOTES REQUIRED AND EFFECT OF ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES

 

Matter Vote Required Votefor Approval Impact of Abstentions Impact of Broker Non-Votes
Election of Directors Votes FOR a nominee must exceed 50% of the votes cast with respect to that nominee. Not counted as votes cast; no impact on outcome. Not counted as votes cast; no impact on outcome.
Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 20162017 Approval by a majority of the votes making up the quorum. Counted toward quorum; impact is the same as a vote AGAINST. Not applicable.
AmendmentAdvisory vote to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to Eliminate Cumulative Voting for DirectorsApproval by a majority of outstanding shares.    Impact is the same as a vote AGAINST.    

Impact is the same as

a vote AGAINST.

An Advisory Vote to Approveapprove Named Executive Officer compensation Votes FOR the proposal must exceed votes AGAINST it. Not counted as votes cast; no impact on outcome. 

Not counted as votes cast; no

impact on outcome.

Advisory vote on the frequency of shareowner votes on Named Executive Officer compensationThe option for which the greatest number of votes is cast.Not counted as votes cast; no impact on outcome.Not counted as votes cast; no impact on outcome.

 

Cumulative voting for directors(1)

You have the right to “cumulate” your votes in the election of UTC directors. This means you are entitled in the election of directors to a number of votes equal to the number of shares of Common Stock you own, multiplied by the number of directors to be elected. You may cast all of these votes for a single nominee or distribute them among any two or more nominees, in your discretion.

If your shares are registered in your name and you wish to exercise cumulative voting rights, you must submit a proxy card by mail or attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person by ballot. Your proxy card or ballot must specify how you want to allocate your votes among the nominees. The telephone, mobile device and Internet voting facilities do not accommodate cumulative voting.

If you own your shares in “street name,” contact your broker, bank, trustee or other intermediary for directions on how to exercise cumulative voting rights using the voting instruction card, or to request a legal proxy so you can vote your shares directly.

The Board of Directors is soliciting discretionary authority to cumulate votes with respect to the election of directors. If shareowners (other than UTC Employee Savings Plan participants) return a signed proxy card or submit voting instructions without providing instructions about cumulative voting, or if shareowners (other than UTC Employee Savings Plan participants) vote by telephone, mobile device or via the Internet, they will confer on the designated proxy holders discretionary authority to exercise cumulative voting. Under this discretionary authority, the designated proxy holders may, if they elect to do so, allocate the aggregate number of votes (other than votes in respect of shares held in the UTC Employee Savings Plan) among the nominees in the manner recommended by the Board of Directors or otherwise determined by the proxy holders. However, the proxy holders will not cast any votes for any nominee for whom you have given instructions to vote against or withhold a vote.

If you do not wish to grant the proxy holders authority to cumulate your votes in the election of directors, you must explicitly state that objection on your proxy card or voting instruction card. The telephone, mobile device and Internet voting facilities do not accommodate objections to granting that authority.

(1)Although the Board has submitted a proposal included at pages 72 to 73 of this Proxy Statement to be voted upon by shareowners at the 2016 Annual Meeting to eliminate cumulative voting in the future, currently shareowners have the right to cumulate their votes.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners79

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

VOTE COUNTING

 

Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”), an independent entity, will receive and tabulate the votevotes in connection with the Annual Meeting. Representatives of Broadridge will act as the independent Inspectors of Election and in this capacity will supervise the voting, decide the validity of proxies and certify the results.

 

Broadridge has been instructed that the vote of each shareowner must be kept confidential and may not be disclosed, (exceptexcept in legal proceedings or for the purpose of soliciting shareowner votes in a contested proxy solicitation).solicitation.

 

INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY SOLICITATION

 

Employees of UTC may solicit proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors by mail, email, in person and by telephone. These employees will not receive any additional compensation for these activities. UTC will bear the cost of soliciting proxies and will reimburse banks, brokers, trustees and other intermediaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy materials to shareowners. UTC has retained Georgeson Inc., to assist in distributing proxy materials and soliciting proxies for a fee of $16,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses.

 

ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PROXY MATERIALS

 

If you hold shares registered in your name, you may sign up at:athttp://www.computershare-na.com/greento receive electronic access to proxy materials for future meetings, rather than receiving mailed copies.the materials in the mail. If you choose electronic access, you will receive an email notifying you when the Annual Report and Proxy Statement are available with electronic linksinstructions on how to access the documents (in PDF and HTML formats) on a website and instructions on how to vote online. Your enrollment for electronic access will remain in effect unless you cancel it, which you can do up to two weeks before the record date for any future annual meeting.

 

If you own your shares in “street name,” you may be able to obtain electronic access to proxy materials by contacting your broker, bank, trustee or other intermediary, or by contacting Broadridge at:athttp://enroll.icsdelivery.com/utc.utc.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement81

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

ELIMINATING DUPLICATE MAILINGS

 

If you share an address with one or more other UTC shareowners, you may have received notification that you will receive only a single copy of the Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for your entire household unless you or another UTC shareowner at that address gives contrary instructions to UTC’s stock registrar and transfer agent or to the bank, broker, trustee or other intermediary that provides the notification. This practice, known as “householding,” is designed to reduce printing and mailing costs.

 

Upon written or oral request, UTC will deliver promptly a separate copy of the Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to any shareowner at a shared address to which the Company delivered a single copy of any of these documents. If you wish to receive free of charge a separate Annual Report, Proxy Statement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials this year or in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies at your address and would like to enroll in “householding,” please contact UTC’s stock registrar and transfer agent, Computershare, Trust Company, at 1-800-488-9281. If you own your shares in “street name,” please contact your broker, bank, trustee or other intermediary to make your request.

 

SUBMITTING PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR 20172018 ANNUAL MEETING

 

Shareowner Proposals.In order for a shareowner proposal to be considered for inclusion in UTC’s Proxy Statement for the 20172018 Annual Meeting under SEC Rule 14a-8, our Corporate Secretary must receive such proposal in writing by November 15, 2016.10, 2017.

80

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING

 

In order to introduce a proposal for vote at the 20172018 Annual Meeting (other than a shareowner proposal included in the proxy statementProxy Statement in accordance with SEC Rule 14a-8), UTC’s Bylaws require that the shareowner send advance written notice to the Corporate Secretary for receipt no earlier than December 26, 201625, 2017 and no later than January 25, 2017.24, 2018. This notice must include the information specified by Section 1.10 of the Bylaws, a copy of which is available at:athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspx.default.aspx.

 

Director Nominations at the 20172018 Annual Meeting.UTC’s Bylaws require that a shareowner who wishes to nominate a candidate for election as a director at the 20172018 Annual Meeting (other than pursuant to the “proxy access” provisions of Section 1.12 of the Bylaws) must send advance written notice to the Corporate Secretary for receipt no earlier than December 26, 201625, 2017 and no later than January 25, 2017.24, 2018. This notice must include the information, documents and agreements specified by Section 1.10 of the Bylaws, a copy of which is available at:athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspx.default.aspx.

 

Director Nominations by Proxy Access.UTC’s Bylaws require that an eligible shareowner who wishes to have a nominee of that shareowner included in UTC’s proxy materials for the 20172018 Annual Meeting pursuant to the “proxy access” provisions of Section 1.12 of the Bylaws must send advance written notice to the Corporate Secretary for receipt no earlier than October 14, 201611, 2017 and no later than November 15, 2016.10, 2017. This notice must include the information, documents and agreements specified by Section 1.12 of the Bylaws, a copy of which is available at:athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspx.default.aspx.

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners8281
 

 

Other Information

 

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results.ThisThis Proxy Statement contains statements which, to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” under the securities laws. From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements may also be included in other information released to the public. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “expectations,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “will,” “should,” “see,” “guidance,” “confident” and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flow, results of operations, uses of cash, share repurchases and other measures of financial performance or potential future plans, strategies or transactions. All forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation:

 

the effect of economic conditions in the industries and markets in which we operate in the U.S. and globally and any changes therein, including financial market conditions, fluctuations in commodity prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, levels of end market demand in construction and in both the commercial and defense segments of the aerospace industry, levels of air travel, financial condition of commercial airlines, the impact of weather conditions and natural disasters and the financial condition of our customers and suppliers;
  
challenges in the development, production, delivery, support, performance and realization of the anticipated benefits of advanced technologies and new products and services;
  
future levels of indebtedness and capital spending and research and development spending;
  
future availability of credit and factors that may affect such availability, including credit market conditions and our capital structure;
  
the timing and scope of future repurchases of our common stock, which may be suspended at any time due to market conditions and the level of other investing activities and uses of cash;
delays and disruption in delivery of materials and services from suppliers;
  
customer-Company and Company-directedcustomer-directed cost reduction efforts and restructuring costs and savings and other consequences thereof;
  
the scope, nature, impact or timing of acquisition and divestiture activity, including among other things integration of acquired businesses into our existing businesses and realization of synergies and opportunities for growth and innovation;
  
new business opportunities;
  
our ability to realize the intended benefits of organizational changes;
  
the anticipated benefits of diversification and balance of operations across product lines, regions and industries;
  
the timing and scope of future repurchases of our common stock;
the outcome of legal proceedings, investigations and other contingencies;
  
pension plan assumptions and future contributions;
  
the impact of the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and labor disputes;
  
the effect of changes in political conditions in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate;operate, including the effect of changes in U.S. trade policies or the U.K.’s pending withdrawal from the EU, on general market conditions, global trade policies and currency exchange rates in the near term and beyond; and

 

82Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement83
 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

the effect of changes in tax, environmental, regulatory (including among other things import/export) and other laws and regulations in the U.S. and other countries in which we operate.

 

In addition, our 20152016 Annual Report onor Form 10-K includes important information as to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. See the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” under the heading “Note 17:18: Contingent Liabilities,” and the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the headings “Business Overview,” “Results of Operations,” “Liquidity and Financial Condition,” and “Critical Accounting Estimates”Estimates,” in Exhibit 13 toof our 20152016 Form 10-K. Our Form 10-K also includes important information as to these factors in the “Business” section under the headings “General,” “Description of Business by Segment” and “Other Matters Relating to Our Business as a Whole,” in the section titled “Risk Factors,” and in the “Risk Factors” and “Legal Proceedings” section.sections. Additional important information as to these factors is included in Exhibit 13 to our 2015 Form 10-K2016 Annual Report in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under the headings “Restructuring Costs,” “Environmental Matters” and “Governmental Matters.” The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, in the case of any document incorporated by reference, the date of that document. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additional information as to factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements is disclosed from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

 

Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2015.2016.UTC will provide, without charge, a copy of the UTC Annual Report on Form 10-K for 20152016 filed with the SEC to any shareowner upon request directed to:to the UTC Corporate Secretary United Technologies Corporation,by mail, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032, Telephone 1-860-728-7870,06032; by telephone 1-860-728-7870; or by email to: corpsec@corphq.utc.com.atcorpsec@corphq.utc.com.

 

Corporate Governance Information and Code of Ethics.UTC’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters for each Board Committee are available on UTC’s website:website athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/Who-We-Are/Corporate-Governance/Pages/Governance-Documents-and-Policies.aspxdefault.aspx.UTC’s Code of Ethics is available on UTC’s website:website athttp://www.utc.com/Our-Company/How-We-Work/Ethics-And-Compliance/Pages/Code-of-Ethics.aspx. default.aspx.Printed copies will be provided, without charge, to any shareowner upon request addressed to the Corporate Secretary. The Code of Ethics applies to all directors and employees, including the principal executive, financial and accounting officers. Shareowners and other interested persons may send communications to the Board, the Chairman,Lead Director, or one or more non-management directors by using the contact information provided on UTC’s website by accessing sequentially “Who We Are,” “Corporate Governance,” “Board of Directors,” “Contact UTC’s Board.” Shareowners and interested persons also may send communications by letter addressed to the UTC Corporate Secretary, at UTC, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032 or by contacting the UTC Ombudsman at 1-800-871-9065. These communications will be received and reviewed by UTC’s Global Ethics and Compliance Office. The receipt of concerns about UTC’s accounting, internal controls, auditing matters or business practices will be reported to the Audit Committee. The receipt of other concerns will be reported to the appropriate Committee(s) of the Board. UTC employees also can raise questions or concerns confidentially or anonymously using UTC’s Ombudsman/DIALOGOmbudsman program.

 

Transactions with Related Persons.UTC has adopted a written policy for the review of transactions with related persons. The policy requires review, approval or ratification of transactions exceeding $120,000 in which UTC is a participant and in which a UTC director, executive officer, a beneficial owner of five percent or more of UTC’s outstanding shares, or an immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons has a direct or indirect material interest. Any such transactions must be reported for review by the Corporate Secretary and the Corporate Vice President, Global Compliance, who will determine whether the transaction may beis a transaction with a related person, as such term is defined under UTC’s policy and the relevant SEC rules. Following this review, by these officers, the Board’s Committee on NominationsGovernance and GovernancePublic Policy (the “Committee”) must determine whether the transaction can be approved or not, based on whether the transaction is determined to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of UTC and its shareowners. In making this determination, the Committee must take into consideration whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable to UTC than those

 

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners8483
 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

than those available with other parties and the related person’s interest in the transaction. UTC’s policy generally permits employment of relatives of related persons possessing qualifications consistent with UTC’s requirements for non-related persons in similar circumstances, provided the employment is approved by the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer and the Corporate Vice President, Global Compliance.

 

State Street Corporation (“State Street”), acting in various fiduciary capacities, filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC reporting that as of December 31, 20152016, State Street and certain of its subsidiaries collectively were the beneficial owners of more than five percent of UTC’s outstanding shares of Common Stock. A subsidiary of State Street is the trustee for the UTC Employee Savings Plan Master Trust. Other State Street subsidiaries provide investment management services. During 2015,2016, the UTC Employee Savings Plan Master Trust paid State Street and its subsidiaries approximately $2.2$1.6 million for services as trustee, as investment managers and for administrative and other services.

 

BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) filed a Schedule 13G with the SEC reporting that as of December 31, 20152016, BlackRock and certain subsidiaries collectively were the beneficial owners of more than five percent of UTC’s outstanding shares of Common Stock. During 2015,2016, BlackRock acted as an investment manager for certain assets within UTC’s pension plans and Employee Savings Plan. BlackRock received approximately $2.9$2.7 million for such services.

William Sullivan, an employee of UTC Aerospace Systems, is the son-in-law of John V. Faraci, a UTC Director. In 2016, Mr. Sullivan received approximately $143,000 in total compensation, consisting of his salary and participation in employee benefit plans and programs generally made available to employees of similar responsibility levels. Mr. Sullivan’s total compensation is consistent with what is provided to other employees with similar qualifications, experience and responsibilities. This transaction was reviewed and ratified by the Committee in accordance with UTC’s Related Person Transactions policy.

 

Each of the relationships described above was reviewed and approved in accordance with UTC’s policy for review of transactions with related persons.

 

Garrett Griffiths, an employee of Pratt & Whitney (“P&W”), is the son-in-law of P&W President Robert F. Leduc, an executive officer of UTC. In 2016, Mr. Griffiths received approximately $123,000 in total compensation, consisting of his salary and participation in employee benefit plans and programs generally made available to employees of similar responsibility levels. UTC management became aware of and notified the Committee in January 2017 that the related person transactions approval process was not followed by P&W in this instance, in that the transaction was not presented to the Committee for prior review and approval. The Committee determined, based on a review of the facts and circumstances, that the transaction is not inconsistent with the best interests of UTC and its shareowners, and thereafter ratified the transaction. In making this determination, the Committee took into consideration the following: (1) Mr. Griffiths possesses the requisite skills and qualifications consistent with UTC’s policies and practices for employment of non-related persons in similar positions; (2) initial employment of Mr. Griffiths was on terms no less favorable to P&W than terms offered to non-related persons under the same or similar circumstances; (3) Mr. Griffiths’ total compensation is consistent with what is provided to other employees with similar qualifications, experience and responsibilities; and (4) the transaction was reviewed by the UTC Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer and the UTC Corporate Vice President, Global Compliance, who both determined that there were no willful or intentional violations of the UTC Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Committee also reviewed the facts and circumstances pertaining to the failure of the transaction to have been presented to the Committee in a timely manner, and approved UTC’s corrective actions focused on additional internal training and communications regarding the related persons transactions policy and approval process.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting.Reporting Compliance.Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires certain of our officers, as well as each director and any beneficial owner of more than ten percent of UTC Common Stock to file reports with the SEC regarding their holdings and transactions in UTC’s equity securities. Based upon a review of these reports as filed with the SEC during or with respect to 2015,2016, and upon written confirmation from our directors and officers, we believe that each director and covered officer met these filing requirements.requirements, except that there

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement85

OTHER INFORMATION

were inadvertent delays in reporting the following: (i) the acquisition of shares of UTC Common Stock by David R. Whitehouse, Corporate Vice President, Treasurer, upon the vesting and disposition of restricted stock units; (ii) the acquisition of deferred stock units by Fredric G. Reynolds, a UTC director, upon his appointment as a member of the Audit Committee of the Board; (iii) purchases by John V. Faraci, a UTC director, of shares of UTC Common Stock through six transactions through a broker-managed account during the period from June 2015 through December 2015; and (iv) the later sale by Mr. Faraci of those shares through three transactions during the period from October 2015 through February 2016. In each case, the required reports of these transactions were subsequently filed with the SEC.

 

UTC is not aware of any beneficial owners of more than ten percent of UTC Common Stock.

 

Incorporation by Reference.In connection with our discussion of director and executive compensation, we have incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement certain information from Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Exhibit 13 to UTC’s 20152016 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 11, 2016;9, 2017; these are the only portions of such filings that are incorporated by reference in this Proxy Statement.

 

Company Names, Trademarks and Trade Names.United Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries’ names, abbreviations thereof, logos, and product and service designators are either the registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names of United Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries. Names of other companies, abbreviations thereof, logos of other companies, and product and service designators of other companies are either the registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names of their respective owners.

 

8486
 

 

Appendix AA:

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO UTC’S
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of United Technologies Corporation would be amended and restated to reflect the following amendment, in order to delete the current text included in Clause (h) of Article Eighth and replace that text with “[Reserved]”:

(h)At all elections of directors of the Corporation, each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of his shares of such stock multiplied by the number of directors to be elected by the holders of Common Stock, and he may cast all of such votes for a single director or may distribute them among the number to be voted for by the holders of the Common Stock, or any two or more of them as he may see fit. [Reserved].

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners85

Appendix B

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to Corresponding GAAP Measures

 

United Technologies Corporation

Reconciliation of Net Sales to Adjusted Net Sales         
          
(dollars in millions)  2016   2015   2014 
Net sales  $57,244   $56,098   $57,900 
Adjustments to net sales:            
Pratt & Whitney – charge resulting from customer contract negotiations  $184   $142    
UTC Aerospace Systems – charge resulting from customer contract negotiations     $210    
Adjusted net sales  $57,428   $56,450   $57,900 

 

Reconciliation of 2016 Net Sales to Adjusted Net Sales by Business Segment

 

(dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013  UTC Climate,
Controls &
Security
  Otis  Pratt &
Whitney
  UTC
Aerospace
Systems
  Segment
Sales
  Eliminations
& Other
  Consolidated
Net Sales
 
Net sales $56,098 $57,900 $56,600   $16,851   $11,893   $14,894   $14,465   $58,103   ($859)   $57,244 
Adjustments to net sales:                                   
Pratt & Whitney – charge resulting from customer contract negotiations $142           $184      $184      $184 
UTC Aerospace Systems – charge resulting from customer contract negotiations $210   
Adjusted net sales $56,450 $57,900 $56,600   $16,851   $11,893   $15,078   $14,465   $58,287   ($859)  $57,428 

 

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations Attributable to Common Shareowners and Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share to Corresponding GAAP Measures

 

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013  2016  2015  2014 
Net income attributable to common shareowners $7,608 $6,220 $5,721   $5,055   $7,608   $6,220 
Less: Income from discontinued operations attributable to common shareowners -$3,612 -$154 -$456   $10   ($3,612)   ($154) 
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners $3,996 $6,066 $5,265   $5,065   $3,996   $6,066 
Adjustments to net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners:                   
Restructuring costs $396 $354 $431   $290   $396   $354 
Significant non-recurring and non-operational charges (gains) $1,446 -$240 -$271   $550   $1,446   ($240) 
Significant non-recurring and non-operational items included in net interest expense  $140       
Income tax expense (benefit) on restructuring costs and significant non-recurring and non-operational items -$617 -$7 -$38   ($354)   ($617)   ($7) 
Significant non-recurring and non-operational charges (gains) recorded within income tax expense $342 -$284 -$154   ($231)   $342   ($284) 
Total adjustments to net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners $1,567 -$177 -$32   $395   $1,567   ($177) 
Adjusted net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners $5,563 $5,889 $5,233   $5,460   $5,563   $5,889 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 883 912 915   826   883   912 
Diluted earnings per share — net income attributable to common shareowners $8.61 $6.82 $6.25   $6.12   $8.61   $6.82 
Net income from discontinued operations $4.09 $0.17 $0.50   ($0.01)   $4.09   $0.17 
Diluted earnings per share—Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners $4.53 $6.65 $5.75 
Diluted earnings per share—net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners  $6.13   $4.53   $6.65 
Impact of non-recurring and non-operational charges (gain) on diluted earnings per share $1.77 -$0.19 -$0.03   $0.48   $1.77   ($0.19) 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share—Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners $6.30 $6.46 $5.72 
Adjusted diluted earnings per share—net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners  $6.61   $6.30   $6.46 

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement87

APPENDIX A

 

Reconciliation of Cash Flow From Operating Activities of Continuing Operations to Free Cash Flow

 

(dollars in millions) 2015 2014 2013 
Cash flow provided by operating activities of continuing operations $6,698 $6,994 $7,314 
Less: Capital expenditures $1,652 $1,594 $1,569 
Free cash flow from continuing operations $5,046 $5,400 $5,745 
Net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners $3,996 $6,066 $5,265 
Free cash flow from continuing operations as a percentage of net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners 126% 89% 109% 

86

APPENDIX B
(dollars in millions) 2016 2015  2014 
Cash flow provided by operating activities of continuing operations  $6,412  $6,755   $6,979 
Less: Capital expenditures  $1,699  $1,652   $1,594 
Free cash flow from continuing operations  $4,713  $5,103   $5,385 
            
Reconciliation of 2016 Full-Year Organic Sales  2016        
Organic volume  2%         
Foreign currency translation  (1%)        
Acquisitions and divestitures, net  1%         
Other          
Total % change  2%         

 

United Technologies Corporation (the “Company”) reports its financial results in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). However, management believes that

We supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under GAAP with certain non-GAAP financial measures provide usersinformation. The non-GAAP information presented provides investors with additional meaningful financialuseful information, thatbut should not be considered when assessingin isolation or as substitutes for the related GAAP measures. Moreover, other companies may define non-GAAP measures differently, which limits the usefulness of these measures for comparisons with those companies. We encourage investors to review our ongoing performance.financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

 

Adjusted Net Sales, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Dilutednet sales, organic sales, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted Net Salesnet sales represents Net Salesconsolidated net sales from continuing operations (a GAAP measure), excluding significant items of a non-recurring and non-operational nature.nature (hereinafter referred to as “other significant items”). Organic sales represents consolidated net sales (a GAAP measure), excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, acquisitions and divestitures completed in the preceding twelve months and other significant items. Adjusted Net Incomenet income represents net income from continuing operations (a GAAP measure), excluding restructuring costs and other significant items of a non-recurring and non-operational nature.items. Adjusted Diluteddiluted EPS represents diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (a GAAP measure), excluding restructuring costs and other significant items of a non-recurring and non-operational nature. Free Cash Flow represents cash flow from operating activities of continuing operations less capital expenditures.items. Management believes Adjusted Net Sales, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted EPSthat the non-GAAP measures just mentioned are useful in providing period to periodperiod-to-period comparisons of the results of the Company’s ongoing operational performance.

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents cash flow from operations (a GAAP measure) less capital expenditures. Management believes Free Cash Flowfree cash flow is a useful measure of liquidity and an additional basis for assessing the Company’sUTC’s ability to fund its activities, including the financing of acquisitions, debt service, repurchases of UTC’s common stock and distribution of earnings to shareowners. The preceding tables provide ashareholders.

A reconciliation of thesethe non-GAAP measures to the corresponding amounts prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.GAAP appears in the tables above and on the prior page. The tables provide additional information as to the items and amounts that have been excluded from the adjusted measures.

 

Adjusted Net Sales, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted EPS and Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of the Company’s results as reported in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate Adjusted Net Sales, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted EPS and Free Cash Flow differently than the Company does, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparisons with other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial information does not represent a comprehensive basis of accounting.

Proxy Statement and Notice of 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareowners8887
 

Appendix B: Financial Performance Metrics Used in Incentive Compensation Plans

All performance metrics are based on continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.

PlanPerformance MetricUTCBusiness Units

ANNUAL

INCENTIVE

Earnings MetricAdjusted net income, as defined below.

Earnings before interest and taxes less:

  Restructuring costs;

  Non-recurring items;

  Significant, defined non-operational items; and

  Impact of significant acquisitions/ divestitures.

Free Cash Flow

Metric

Consolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures (both as reported in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K), adjusted for restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items.Internal measure based on consolidated net cash flow provided by operating activities, less capital expenditures and adjusted for restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items.

Adjusted Net Income

Metric

UTC’s net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareowners (as reported in the 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K), adjusted for restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items.Internal measure consisting of each business unit’s respective share of UTC net income attributable to common shareowners, but excluding restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items.

LONG-TERM

INCENTIVE

Adjusted Earnings

Per Share Metric

Diluted earnings per share, subject to adjustments for restructuring, non-recurring and other significant, defined non-operational items.

Return on Invested

Capital Metric

Quarterly average, net operating profit after tax (“NOPAT”), adjusted for non-controlling interest, non-service pension, acquisitions and divestiture earnings, one-timers, restructuring, material one-time tax charges and the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations, divided by invested capital, adjusted for accumulated other comprehensive income, cash and equivalents, acquisition and divestiture borrowings, short-term borrowings and material one-time tax charges.

Total Shareowner

Return Metric

Total investment return on Common Stock between two points in time, using a trailing 60-day average, calculated to account for changes in share price and reinvested dividends.

Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement89

10 Farm Springs Road
Farmington, CT 06032 USA
www.utc.com

Otis
Pratt & Whitney
UTC Aerospace Systems
UTC Climate, Controls & Security

 

 

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
10 FARM SPRINGS ROAD

FARMINGTON, CT 06032

 

SCAN TO
VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE

VOTE BY INTERNET -www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above.

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information until 11:59 p.m. EDT the day before the meeting dateon April 23, 2017, or the earlier cut-off date and timeuntil 11:00 a.m. EDT on April 20, 2017, for Savings Plan Participants.participants in a UTC employee savings plan. Follow the instructions on the website to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

 

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our companyCompany incurs in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receivingreceive all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via email or the Internet.electronically. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

 

VOTE BY TELEPHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions until 11:59 p.m. EDT the day before the meeting dateon April 23, 2017, or the earlier cut-off date and time mentioned above for Savings Plan Participants.participants in a UTC employee savings plan. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

 

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it toin your own envelope by mailing it to: Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.


 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
E18662-P84637KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

E00129-P71919-Z66951                KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATEDDATED.

 

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION

        
 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES ANDFOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4.UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION      
          
 1.Election of DirectorsForTHE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTEFOR
EACH OF THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES,FOR PROPOSALS
2 AND 3, AND1 YEAR FOR PROPOSAL 4.
 Against Abstain
          
  
1.Election of DirectorsForAgainstAbstain
1a.John V. FaraciLloyd J. Austin IIIooo o o
          
  1b.Jean-Pierre GarnierDiane M. Bryantooo o oForAgainstAbstain
          
  1c.Gregory J. HayesJohn V. Faraciooo1j.     Fredric G. Reynolds ooo o
          
  1d.Edward A. KangasJean-Pierre Garnierooo1k.    Brian C. Rogers ooo o
          
  1e.EllenGregory J. KullmanHayesooo1l.     Christine Todd Whitman ooo o
          
  1f.Marshall O. LarsenEdward A. Kangasooo 2.  Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 2017.ooo o
          
  1g.Harold McGraw IIIEllen J. Kullmanooo 3.Advisory vote to approve Named Executive Officer compensation.ooo o
          
  1h.Richard B. MyersMarshall O. Larsenooo 1 YEAR2 YEARS3 YEARSAbstain
4.Advisory vote on the frequency of shareowner votesoooo
1i.Harold McGraw IIIooo oon Named Executive Officer compensation.
          
  1i.Fredric G. Reynolds o o o
          
 For address changes, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.o
        
        
  
       
       
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.       
       
  
ForAgainstAbstain
        
 1j.Brian C. Rogers o oo
         
 1k.H. Patrick Swygert o oo
         
 1l.André Villeneuve o oo
         
 1m.Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]Christine Todd WhitmanDate o oSignature (Joint Owners)Date o
         
2. Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 2016.ooo
3.Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting for directors.ooo
4.An advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers.ooo
      


V.1.1

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.


Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]DateSignature (Joint Owners)Date

 

Annual Meeting of Shareowners of United Technologies Corporation


Monday, April 25, 2016,24, 2017, 8:00 a.m. EDT

Held in the Palm Court Ballroom of The Vinoy®Renaissance St. Petersburg

 

501 5th Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701Held at UTC Aerospace Systems

Four Coliseum Centre, 2730 West Tyvola Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28217

 

The purposes of the meeting are to consider the following matters:

 

1.Election of the thirteentwelve director nominees listed in the Proxy Statement;

2.Appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as Independent Auditor for 2016;2017;

3.Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to eliminate cumulative voting for directors;

4.An advisoryAdvisory vote to approve Named Executive Officer compensation;
4.Advisory vote on the compensationfrequency of our named executive officers;shareowner votes on Named Executive Officer compensation; and

5.Other business, if properly raised.

 

TICKET REQUESTS:We ask that shareowners request a ticket in advance to attend. Please email your request to:tocorpsec@corphq.utc.comor write to:to UTC Corporate Secretary, UTC, 10 Farm Springs Road, Farmington, CT 06032.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice of 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareowners and Proxy Statement and Notice andthe 2016 Annual Report are
available at:www.proxyvote.com
.

 

E00130-P71919-Z66951E18663-P84637

 

 

 PROXY

This Proxy is Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of United Technologies Corporation.

 

The undersigned hereby appoints John V. Faraci, Edward A. Kangas and H. Patrick Swygert,Ellen J. Kullman, and each of them, each with power of substitution and revocation, as proxies for the undersigned to act and vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareowners of United Technologies Corporation to be held on April 25, 2016,24, 2017, and at any postponed or at any reconvened session following any adjournment thereof, as directed on this Proxy Card, upon the matters set forth on the reverse side hereof, all as described in the Proxy Statement, and, in their discretion, upon any other business whichthat may properly come before said meeting.If this Proxy Card is properly signed and returned, but nodoes not (other than for shares held by the trustee under each of the UTC employee savings plans) provide voting instructions, are given,then the votes represented by this Proxy Card will be applied invoted FOR the election of directors, as authorized in the following sentence, as votes for one or moreeach of the nominees, listed on the reverse and as votes for each ofFOR Proposals 2 and 3, and 4. Absent specific instructions to the contrary by the undersigned with respect to cumulative voting, the persons named as proxies herein shall have full discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by a properly signed and returned Proxy Card cumulatively for all or less than all of such nominees listed on the reverse and to allocate such votes among all or less than all of such nominees (other than any one or more nominees1 YEAR for whom instructions have been given to vote against or abstain) in the manner as the Board of Directors shall recommend or otherwise in the proxies’ discretion.Proposal 4.

 

This Proxy Card also constitutes voting instructions to the Trusteetrustee under each of the UTC employee savings plans to vote, in person or by proxy, the proportionate interest of the undersigned in the shares of Common Stock of UTC held by the Trusteetrustee under any such plan(s) as described in the Proxy Statement. Such voting instructions, whether received by telephone, the Internet or as indicated by you on this card, must be received by 11:00 a.m. EDT on April 21, 2016.20, 2017.If voting instructions are not received by that time, the trustee will vote your uninstructed proportionate interest in plan shares will be voted by the Trustee as described in the Proxy Statement.The undersigned hereby revokes all proxies previously given by the undersigned to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareowners or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes (SEE REVERSE SIDE), but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. The proxies designated above cannot vote these shares unless you sign and return this Proxy Card.

 

    
 Address Changes:   
    
    
    
    

 

(If you noted any Address Changes above, please mark the corresponding box on the reverse side.)

V.1.1